Stewart Dickson MLA has said Diane Dodds needs to focus on helping all those in need of financial aid, as it was revealed a significant number of recipients are still waiting on grant payments. He said: “What has been lost in the DUP’s attempts to upend the regulations this week is that their own Economy […]
There needs to be a clear and future-proofed economic strategy for Northern Ireland, in which manufacturing can play a key role, Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said. Mr Dickson was speaking after the Assembly heard a motion calling for an Executive manufacturing strategy to help the sector recover and grow following the pandemic. […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has questioned the Economy Minister on how she plans to avoid the loss of jobs as Caterpillar in Larne and Belfast. The announcement was unexpectedly made last week. Stewart Dickson said: “This has come as a devastating blow to Larne, with many families facing extremely hard times in the run up […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has given a cautious welcome to the news furlough will be extended until the end of March 2021. He said: “While this news will give many hope for an easier Christmas period, it is still extremely concerning the growing numbers who continue to be excluded from any financial aid. “I also […]
East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said he is devastated for the Larne area after the announcement that US firm Caterpillar is to cut 700 jobs. In a statement earlier today the manufacturing firm confirmed the majority of the losses would affect workers at its plant in Larne. Stewart said: “This is an absolutely […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said the application process for a new Department for the Economy grant scheme for small businesses is “a shambles”. The COVID Restrictions Business Support Scheme was launched last night by Economy Minister Diane Dodds. It allows applications for £600 a week from businesses who don’t pay business rates, […]
It is in the interests of the entire UK for the Prime Minister to “cut the bravado” and keep negotiating with the EU, Alliance MP Stephen Farry has said. The North Down MP was speaking after the UK Government said talks with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal were over. Earlier, Boris Johnson said […]
Businesses in Northern Ireland need certainty in an uncertain time, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said. The East Antrim MLA was speaking after the Assembly backed an Alliance amendment to a motion on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, calling on the UK Government and EU to work constructively within the context of the Northern Ireland Protocol […]
Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has called on the Economy Minister to urgently support businesses and workers during the second wave of COVID-19, to avoid a “cut-price lockdown” which would leave many excluded from the necessary assistance required to support livelihoods. Speaking in the Assembly this afternoon, Mr Muir asked the Minister whether she […]
Alliance Finance Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said the Economy Minister must provide a detailed strategy on how businesses will be supported through an expected turbulent winter period. Speaking during an Assembly debate on Tuesday, Mr Muir said the strategy published to date “doesn’t cut the mustard”, adding that businesses were now in need of […]