The Guernsey financial support for businesses provided through the payroll co-funding scheme is being extended to the taxi sector until the end of September.
Guernsey’s Policy & Resources Committee has reviewed representations made by members of that industry, some of whom continue to be heavily impacted by the lack of visitors seen in the Bailiwick as a result of ongoing border controls. Through the payroll co-funding scheme, those that demonstrate their business is being impacted can apply for 80% or 100% of the minimum wage for employees (or for themselves if they are self-employed), which is a continuation of the rules that have applied up until June.
Deputy Lyndon Trott, Vice-President of the Policy & Resources Committee, who leads on financial support measures, commented: “We know there are some taxi and private car drivers who are very reliant on trade from both inbound and outbound holidaymakers as well as business travellers. The journeys they make to and from hotels or the airport account for a lot of their income in normal times. We’re already supporting other sectors that depend on visitors including accommodation providers, restaurants, retail and others, and it’s appropriate that taxi drivers receive the same support”.
Meanwhile, the Policy & Resources Committee is concerned that some businesses are not taking full advantage of another financial support measure agreed in June. Rent owed by commercial tenants of States-owned premises is being waived, rather than deferred, for those who have not been able to open for business during ‘lockdown’, for the period where they were closed which in most cases is from mid-March to late May/early June. So far few tenants have been in contact, so the Committee would like to remind them that this support is also available.
