The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed a decision by UK chancellor Rishi Sunak (pictured) to extend a furlough scheme until the end of March.

President Ian Henry said the extension, along with more generous grants for the self-employed, were important steps in protecting jobs over the coming months.

“The confirmation that this support applies to devolved administrations, with an additional £400 million in upfront funding for Northern Ireland, will give businesses some reassurance over an uncertain winter,” he added.

'Sustainable framework' needed

The furlough scheme, introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidises the wages of people who cannot do their jobs, either because their workplace is closed or because there is no longer enough work for them.

Mr Henry warned policy-makers at Westminster and Stormont, however, that no amount of government support could compensate for an open, fully-functioning economy.

“Developing a sustainable framework for the safe operation of businesses from all sectors should be a priority,” he said.