Dickson concerned Minister has no immediate plans to develop remote working strategy

We may see increased exploitation of employees and a decrease in the health and well-being of workers if the Economy Minister does not implement a remote working strategy, Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said. Mr Dickson said such a development would ensure the benefits of remote working are maximised and current employment rights […]

Dickson frustrated with Economy Minister’s disinterest in the Erasmus programme

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has said he is frustrated after the Economy Minister showed “disinterest” in the continuation of the Erasmus programme for students in Northern Ireland. Mr Dickson wrote to Diane Dodds to enquire about the continuation of the Erasmus programme in Northern Ireland. The EU initiative provides opportunities for students to […]

Donnelly says Basic facilities must be provided for the needs of everyone across East Antrim

Basic facilities must be provided for the needs of everyone across East Antrim, Alliance representative Danny Donnelly has said. Councillor Donnelly, recently selected as constituency representative in support of Stewart Dickson MLA, was speaking ahead of the opening of the Changing Places facility in Carnfunock Country Park, the first in East Antrim. “Changing Places toilets […]

Dickson welcomes long overdue support for travel agents

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has welcomed a major support package which has been announced for travel agents. The £1.175 million scheme will provide support to travel agents for eventual reopening, and adjusting to the challenges of the pandemic. It will include a flat payment of £10,000 for businesses operating from retail premises and […]

Dickson welcomes extension to business support scheme

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has welcomed an announcement support schemes covering the cost of COVID restrictions will be extended until the end of the month. Economy Minister Diane Dodds said payments under the COVID Restrictions Business Support Scheme and the Large Tourism Hospitality Business Support Scheme would continue until March 31, to cover […]

Damages Bill set to tackle on-going delays, says Dickson

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has welcomed the introduction of the Damages Bill to the Assembly, commending the Justice Minister for bringing for this “important legislation”. Speaking after the bill was brought forward on Monday, Mr Dickson said it was needed to tackle on-going delays to personal-injury claims. Once law it will allow those claimants who […]

Dickson concerned Economic Recovery Plan will be unworkable

Alliance Economy Spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has expressed his concerns that the Economy Minister’s recently published Economic Recovery Action Plan cannot be effectively implemented unless an Executive-wide approach is taken. The Economic Recovery Plan, published today by the Department for the Economy, sets out how the Department seeks to navigate Northern Ireland’s economic recovery from […]

Dickson calls for support for the leisure and entertainment sector

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has called for the Economy Minister to widen the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme, to include leisure and entertainment businesses over £51,001 NAV. The Alliance Economy spokesperson said: “For almost a year now, leisure and tourism businesses have been unable to trade normally, or even been required to close […]