Extensions to Covid-19 financial support schemes sought

Plans to go before Tynwald in mid-May

Extensions to two schemes helping those affected by the coronavirus lockdown will be sought by the treasury minister later this month.

MERA aids individuals who've lost their jobs by paying them £200 per week, while the Salary Support Scheme subsidises wages to allow businesses to retain staff.

Alfred Cannan will ask Tynwald to approve the three-month extensions when it holds its regular monthly sitting in a fortnight's time (Tuesday, 19 May).

Mr Cannan admits not every business will make it through to the other side of this pandemic, but he insists government is doing everything it can to minimise that number:

You can listen to the full interview below, between the treasury minister and Manx Radio's Dollin Mercer: