Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“The price to be paid by business and workers in consequence of the Executive’s Covid approach will not just be felt for the next month but, I fear, long thereafter. With no policy other than suppression of the economy every time there is a surge in infection, and no exit strategy, the outlook is dire. Are we breaking jobs or breaking Covid?
“I am particularly concerned not just for our hospitality industry but for many small suppliers and service providers throughout the Province. Since an excessive proportion of low paid jobs are found in the hospitality sector, the consequence is that it is the poorest who will bear the brunt of financial loss. On top of that many small businesses – large numbers of whom are still falling through the cracks in terms of financial assistance – are being driven into extinction.
“While it underscores the dysfunctionality of Stormont, it is little comfort to have an individual Executive member seeking to distance himself from the damage being inflicted by a collective Executive approach.”