More than 10,000 redundancies in NI since start of COVID-19 pandemic in March

Tributes paid to Gladys Anderson (107) for a 'life well lived'

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Subscribe              Dec 15, 2020           Good morning In business news: More than 10,000 redundancies have been proposed by Northern Ireland firms since March, according to official statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). The total number of proposed redundancies for the last 12 months was 10,720 - more than double the number recorded in the previous 12 months. And, business groups have stressed that the Northern Ireland economy "can't be turned off and on" through repeated lockdowns. Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI and others have spoken out against the prospect of further lockdowns after a leading doctor warned that a period of four weeks under heightened restrictions would be the "logical" way to deal with the current coronavirus infection rates. In other news: Future spending plans could be in jeopardy as local councils face a "long-term and ongoing" impact from the coronavirus pandemic, a watchdog in Northern Ireland has said. Unprecedented challenges will continue from virus restrictions, which damaged leisure revenue streams while requiring emergency action to maintain safety, local government auditor Pamela McCreedy said. Antrim Area Hospital and the Causeway Hospital are "under unprecedented pressure today", a statement from the Northern Health and social Care Trust has warned. They said: "If you require urgent care, please do not attend our Emergency Departments. "Use Phone First - call 0300 1231 123, or use the Interpreter Now app. And: Tributes have been paid to one of Northern Ireland's oldest residents who has died at 107. Gladys Anderson from Lurgan has been described as a "woman of very strong faith" who set "a fantastic example". Have a good day Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor Digital subscriptions to the News Letter are available from only £1 a month for the first 3 months. That will give you unlimited access to our content along with our subscriber only interactive puzzles. 70% fewer ads and with the digital+ option you can also access the newspaper app edition. You can see all the options here.                NI hospitals are under 'unprecedented pressure today' - expect a long wait️           Antrim Area Hospital and the Causeway Hospital are "under unprecedented pressure today❗️", a statement from the Northern Health and social Care Trust has warned.                 'You can't turn the economy off and on': Business groups hit back at suggestion of yet another lockdown for NI   Business groups have stressed that the Northern Ireland economy "can't be turned off and on" through repeated lockdowns.           Witness appeal after NI hospital worker's car damaged   An investigation has been launched after a car belonging to a member of staff at an NI hospital was damaged.           More than 10,000 redundancies in NI since start of COVID-19 pandemic in March   More than 10,000 redundancies have been proposed by Northern Ireland firms since March, according to official statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).           Auditor warns NI councils face 'long-term and ongoing' Covid impact - future spending plans could be in doubt   Future spending plans could be in jeopardy as local councils face a "long-term and ongoing" impact from the coronavirus pandemic, a watchdog in Northern Ireland has said.           Tributes paid to Gladys Anderson (107) for a 'life well lived'   Tributes have been paid to one of Co Armagh's oldest residents who has died at 107.               Through the archive: Telegrams bring details of siege of the Sherpur Cantonment   From the News Letter, December 15, 1879       Christmas trail brings festive fun to Belfast city centre   A free Christmas trail organised by Belfast One - the Belfast City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) - is bringing some festive magic to the city's streets until January 2.                             Decision day for Rangers' Alfredo Morelos           Alfredo Morelos will discover on Tuesday if he is to face further action for his clash with Dundee United defender Mark Connolly.                   Glenavon reward as Danny Purkis 'gamble' pays off over Cliftonville   Danny Purkis' 'gamble' in front of goal was rewarded with a spot on the scoresheet against Cliftonville that secured a share of the spoils for Glenavon.       Irish road races still a tried and tested route to Isle of Man TT success, says Paul Jordan   Paul Jordan remains an advocate of Irish national road racing as a tried and test route to success at the Isle of Man TT.       'Why not?' - Derek Johnstone delivers verdict on Rangers Europa League draw, answers question on how far they can go   Derek Johnstone has claimed that Rangers' current winning mentality could carry them a long way in this season's Europa League.                   View more news

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