Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay is pressing the Walsh Government to act swiftly to minimise any impact the collapse of firm Carillion could have on local businesses.

Writing to the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Ken Skates AM, Mr Ramsay said he had already received correspondence from local business owners desperate to know what support and practical help was being made available.

One example came from nearby Monmouth, but there are fears the contagion could spread.

 

“The directors of a Monmouth company, which employs 30 staff, told me that Carillion’s collapse would have an immediate and dramatic effect on their working capital and their ability to trade in what is already a challenging market.

 

“Although they are attempting to continue to trade, a lot will depend on whether their supply chain, other customers and their bank are willing to support them through this critical time.

 

“They say they feel they have been hoodwinked into believing that Carillion was a viable company and that they need to know as a matter of urgency what practical help is available. 

 

“It has been suggested to me that help could be provided by negotiating some leniency with HMRC regarding NI, PAYE and VAT payments as this would be a simple way of helping the affected businesses with cash-flow problems which have resulted from Carillion’s collapse.

 

“Vague promises are of no use in this instance – businesses need to know exactly what help is available to them as soon as possible. “