Boost for local businesses after court ruling today
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Many small businesses in Caithness forced to close during the pandemic are expected to receive payouts on insurance claims after a ruling at the Supreme Court today.
The Financial Conduct Authority – which brought the test case – said it would work with insurers so sort out claims from businesses across the UK, many of which have been struggling to make ends meet.
David Stewart, Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “I’ve been fighting to support small businesses who were initially denied their business interruption insurance payouts since the early days of the pandemic last year.
“This decision was long overdue, but it will be of huge relief to all those businesses across the Highlands and Islands which took out business interruption insurance who have yet to receive a penny.
“The pressure businesses are under is huge, and even with these pay outs the cash crisis they face as a result of inadequate Scottish and U.K. government support threatens the future of many.
“These pay-outs will provide a lifeline to many businesses but they do not absolve the Scottish or UK governments of their responsibility to see firms through the pandemic. Business desperately needs a long term comprehensive plan from government to tide them through lockdown and on to recovery.”
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