People who have been unable to return to work and still want to claim the Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance should get in touch with the Treasury by tomorrow (Friday) at the latest.

Following the return to work of some sectors from April 6 and 12 and the announcement that financial support will be extended for those who can’t yet return to work, Treasury is asking people currently receiving MERA payments to let it know if they’re not able to return to work yet so that they can be paid MERA for an extended period.

Minister for the Treasury Alfred Cannan MHK (pictured) said: ’The MERA, which provides an income of £230 per week to both employed and self-employed individuals who are made redundant, laid off or put on nil pay by their employer, or prevented from carrying out their work due to restrictions, has been extended by two weeks to Sunday, April 25, to provide a sufficient period of financial cover whilst some restrictions remain in place.

’Anyone receiving MERA who didn’t return to work on Tuesday, April 6, and hasn’t been in touch with Social Security already, should let Social Security know as soon as possible so that any further payment of MERA due to them can be processed. Customers are asked to confirm their expected return to work date by completing the secure online form a link to which is provided at the top of the MERA webpage before Friday, April 16.’