Chambers of Commerce call for flexibility to protect regional businesses from the worst impacts

Chambers Ireland has called for all businesses, Government and all State bodies to be flexible and responsible to ensure business continuity through the COVID-19 crisis.

The crisis has required extraordinary responses from the State, from society and from the business community but further actions will need to occur in the coming days.

A Chambers Ireland’s statement says: “We will continue to support the Government’s measures knowing that the impact of this disease is such that what is unthinkable in the morning can become a reality by the evening. It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that each of us helps mitigate the worst of this crisis, because it is only through working together that we can beat it.”

In relation to cashflow and settling invoices, it says:

• Those who can pay – those who have adequate cash flows – need to pay their suppliers at the earliest opportunity.
• Those who cannot pay, will need to work with their creditors. We urge creditors to show forbearance and flexibility in this unique situation.
• Banks have a significant role to play in mitigating the worst of this crisis. We urge all businesses to engage with their banks as soon as possible to ensure that any supports that become available to them as soon as is practicable.
• The State is the largest player in the domestic economy therefore all Government Departments, agencies, Local Authorities, State and Semi-State bodies must pay on invoices which reach them at the earliest opportunity, even more quickly than their prompt payment obligations make necessary.
• Most importantly Government must make a clear statement on the urgent necessity that all State bodies settle all outstanding bills promptly.

Chambers Ireland says that the flexibility that the Revenue Commissioners’ have shown on tax receipts is the model that all State bodies should follow, and we welcome their prompt response to our calls for action for those who will be suffering cash-flow problems through the coming months.

For example, where businesses are in sectors which Government directs to close entirely, these businesses should not be charged rates for the duration of these closures.

Chambers Ireland is aware that this will create a funding issue for Local Authorities throughout the country, therefore central Government must step in to support our Local Authorities by bridging the resulting gap in expected Rates returns.

Commenting, Chambers Ireland’s Chief Executive, Ian Talbot, said: “The tragedy of this illness, and the resulting the loss of life deeply saddens both myself and every member of our network. Like everyone, we are deeply concerned about what lies before us in the coming weeks.

“Our retail and hospitality sectors are bearing the brunt of this first wave of measures that have made up the Government response to the Corvid-19 epidemic. The closures and the drop in business have done immense damage to the sector, damage that will take considerable time to recover from.

“As the Government response to this crisis escalates, necessary public health measures will unfortunately mean that further sectors will be affected, and deeper damage will be done to our economy. We urge every economic actor to be as flexible and supportive as they can be while these unique circumstances unfold over the coming weeks.

“Most importantly all State bodies need to be sincere and flexible in their engagements with businesses. Chambers Ireland is engaged at the highest levels to ensure that the real economy is supported through the crisis and our network of Chambers are on the ground throughout the country supporting business.”