P&R to look again at the hardship fund

Only essential workers are currently allowed to go to work. This means people unable to work from home will also not be able to do their usual job.

This has led to concerns.

CCA advisor Heidi Soulsby said Policy & Resources would meet this week to discuss the matter. A similar system to the previous lockdown is expected to be put in place and will also cover sole traders and the self-employed.

‘Our aim is to enable businesses to claim from 1st February, for the week commencing 25th January,’ she said.

‘As we know, public finances are already under real pressure, so we will be looking at ensuring this support goes to those who genuinely need it.’

P&R will also be looking again at the hardship fund, which helps people who might not qualify through other benefit support but are in difficult financial circumstances.

The States has its own financial challenges and P&R president Peter Ferbrache said he would be speaking with the other members very urgently and they would be releasing details this week.

States chief executive Paul Whitfield said people should refer to the list of essential workers as to whether they were allowed to work.

‘Essential workers does not include builders, carpenters or mechanics, even when they work alone outdoors, unless they are carrying out emergency repairs, for example someone has lost all their power or a pipe has burst, flooding their home,’ he said.

‘It does not include restaurant and non-essential retail staff, who are not being permitted.’

He reassured islanders that the rules would be reviewed regularly.

With people needing to work from home, they are allowed to pick-up equipment but companies are urged to get staff to do this in batches and socially distance.

The essential workers list does not include removal firms.

Deputy Soulsby said house moves can still take place, but removal firms and other households are not allowed to help.

She also highlighted that children of separated parents were allowed to move between households, but the bubble idea was not being reintroduced at this stage.

Funerals, with up to ten people, are also allowed.