To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will implement a financial support scheme for individual businesses forced to close due to COVID-19 cases amongst staff or customers.

To date my Department has provided over £320 million of support through the Business Support Schemes to mitigate against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent business closure and to retain jobs. In addition to the three business support measures, a wide range of local support has been put in place by the Executive, including a four month business rates holiday for all businesses with the sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic paying no rates for the full financial year up until 31 March 2021.

As we progress through the pandemic, I recognise that businesses may have to close as a result of outbreaks or restrictions. In considering further interventions, it will be for the Executive to determine how future funding would be allocated to support economic recovery moving forward.

Businesses may claim for employee costs through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if forced to close. This is on the basis that costs for any employees have been previously claimed prior to 30 June 2020. Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

I would encourage all businesses to follow the available guidance on social distancing measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.