Latest Business related measures to help deal with the impact of Covid-19

Latest changes- summary 24th March 2020

The government today announced some additional measures as we deal with the impact of the crisis. Some of the key changes affecting businesses include:

· All non-essential retail to close

· Cafes and restaurants should limit themselves to takeaway and delivery only

· Factories or construction sites should not have to shut - authorities can work with them to make sure physical distancing is possible.

· Covid-19 unemployment payment will be raised to €350 per week

· Wage subsidy scheme will be introduced to co-fund 70% of salaries- max €410

· Deferral of business rates for immediately affected businesses

· The limit for contactless credit card payments has been raised from €30 to €50.

List of essential retail outlets

The following is an indicative list of what are considered essential retail outlets:

· retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers in non-specialised and specialised stores

· retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses

· pharmacies/chemists and retailers providing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical or dispensing services

· opticians/optometrists

· retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores

· fuel stations and heating fuel providers

· retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle repair and related facilities (for example, tyre sales and repairs)

· retail sale of essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including animal feed and medicines, animal food, pet food and animal supplies including bedding

· laundries and drycleaners

· banks, post offices and credit unions

· retail sale of safety supply stores (for example, work clothes, Personal Protective Equipment)

· hardware stores, builders’ merchants and stores that provide hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance,

sanitation and farm equipment, supplies and tools essential for gardening/farming/agriculture

· retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses

· retailers providing electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home

Covid 19 Unemployment Payment

· Payment increased to €350 per week from this week

· Also available to the self-employed - Wage subsidy scheme

· Up to 70% of employees’ wages up to a level of €410

· Employer is expected to make their best efforts to maintain as close to 100% of normal income as possible for the subsidised period 

Deferral of rates

The government has agreed with local authorities that they should defer rates payments due from the most immediately affected businesses, primarily in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors, until the end of May

Ongoing updates on supports

With the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ireland, we are facing a challenge that is unprecedented in modern history. It is also fair to say, however, that we as a people are rising to that challenge and working together as we attempt to stem the worst of this crisis.

New supports are being announced regularly. To help you with some practicalities and to keep you informed of the evolving situation we will continue to provide updates.

In addition, we will continue to provide a panel of Experts to assist with all your queries at 045 980838 or via email at localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie

This too will pass ,Stay safe ,

Jacqui Mc Nabb

Head of Enterprise Kildare County Council