Northern Ireland

Half of Northern Ireland firms 'plan to reduce staff levels after lockdown'

Half of Northern Ireland firms are planning to cut staff levels after lockdown, according to a new survey
Half of Northern Ireland firms are planning to cut staff levels after lockdown, according to a new survey Half of Northern Ireland firms are planning to cut staff levels after lockdown, according to a new survey
By Michael McHugh and Press Association

Half of all firms in Northern Ireland intend to reduce staff levels following lockdown, a survey shows.

Restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus have produced the worst economic results on record, the Northern Ireland Chamber said.

Some 77% of members have furloughed workers and 12% have made people redundant.

Almost a quarter have reduced working hours and many have mentioned salary reductions.

[ READ MORE: Coronavirus: One new death and two more cases recorded in Northern Ireland ]

A fifth implied that their businesses may not survive.

Ann McGregor, chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber, said: "This survey reflects the fall-out of arguably the worst economic and social crisis of our lifetime.

"In terms of the economy, the vast majority of indicators dropped to historic lows, with declines far exceeding those seen at the height of the global financial crisis."

The services sector suffered particularly badly, with consumer-facing firms most acutely exposed to economic headwinds from the pandemic, the business leader added.

Restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus have produced the worst economic results on record, the Northern Ireland Chamber said
Restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus have produced the worst economic results on record, the Northern Ireland Chamber said Restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus have produced the worst economic results on record, the Northern Ireland Chamber said

She said: "The manufacturing sector had a dismal three months, with collapsing demand and major disruption to supply chains weighing on the sector.

"The unprecedented slump in business cash flow is a key concern as it severely hampers business activity and staff retention."

The survey said the biggest change was in the proportion of companies intending to introduce flexible working (62%) but also almost one in four (23%) said they intended to reduce office space.

The chamber added: "One in two members (52%) highlighted their intention to reduce staff levels post Covid-19."

Seven in 10 members (69%) believe their prospects will deteriorate over the next 12 months.

Almost one in four believe their business will grow over the coming year.

Ms McGregor added: "Businesses were already concerned about the impact of Brexit on the economy before Covid-19, however the recent pandemic has placed this in an entirely different context, with companies facing a double whammy of Brexit and the Covid-19 fallout, placing a huge challenge on the business community in Northern Ireland."