As lockdown ends, how do we get the North East s economy moving again?
For every two people in the North East claiming unemployment benefit in February last last year, there are now three.
Get
the latest North East news and updates delivered straight to your inbox Invalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
SEISS: Self-employed workers to benefit from clamp down on late payments - full details express.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from express.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Experienced business advocate and former journalist Liz Barclay appointed to head up government office tackling late payments to businesses appointment.
Britain, like Ireland, is emerging gradually and cautiously from lockdown and from a big economic shock. That was the backdrop to last week’s Budget statement from Chancellor Rishi Sunak. There’s a lot in it to excite and interest Irish businesses.
In particular, our commitment to the green agenda, focus on science and technology and a renewed appetite for innovation presents tremendous potential for trade and investment. A big part of this will be building the community, regional and national infrastructure that makes people’s lives better and increases connectivity.
The skills and experience of Irish entrepreneurs and investors, in construction, engineering, technology and professional services mean Ireland is in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities as both countries rebuild their economies and societies.
The Government has been urged to give NHS and social care workers a higher pay rise – with the one per cent promised in the 2021 Budget described as a kick in the teeth . Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has pledged to raise the wages of doctors and nurses by one per cent as a thank you for their work on the front line of the Covid-19 fight. But unions and the Labour Party have criticised the Government over what they said was a kick in the teeth for the lifesavers. Councillor Stephen Barnes, chairman of the West Cumbria Liberal Democrats said: “I am extremely disappointed that the Government can only find one per cent. However the overwhelming scandal is this Government’s total failure to address the extreme crisis in social care which it has created through years of neglect and underfunding.”