Research* to understand the way in which the cross-border labour market works is currently underway.  It aims to identify the areas that work well, and will consider the impacts of cross-border taxation, social security, pensions, skills, qualifications, hybrid working, along with the UK’s exit from the EU.

It is essential that the real, lived experience of cross-border workers (and employers) in the region is captured. As a result, we’d appreciate if you could help us to understand the challenges you’ve encountered and identify solutions where possible.

Your contribution is very much appreciated and we’ll keep all of your answers anonymous.

WORKER SURVEY

EMPLOYER SURVEY

10/12/2023 – Peeking at the results (again), 300+ responses so far and those individuals have a wealth of cross-border knowledge, almost 150 workers with over 10 yrs experience have contributed! Thank you so much.

Let’s keep going. The survey stays open until New Year. All responses are anonymous!

13/11/2023 – Responses so far indicate that Armagh appears to be the top location to live for those working across the border. Respondents from Donegal and Down are not far behind. This means Donegal respondents are commuting to NI for work, and Down residents are heading south, supported perhaps with good access to motorway and rail links? Responses from Derry and Tyrone are picking up though so this may change. Let’s wait and see!

All responses are anonymous. Please share the link!  https://forms.gle/vsdh7f1tBSm5e79b8

For further information please contact Annmarie O’Kane – borderpeople@qub.ac.uk

*Evidence on Challenges for the Effective Operation of the All-Island Labour Market

A team of researchers have been appointed by the Labour Employment Economic Forum (LEEF) through the Shared Island Unit (Department of the Taoiseach) to review the current conditions of the island of Ireland labour market, and challenges and opportunities for effective operation for workers and businesses across the island.

The purpose of the research is to provide an updated evidence base and analysis of the current all-island labour market conditions with a specific focus on the following factors in both jurisdictions and their impacts on the operation of the labour market across the island:

• personal taxation,
• pension entitlements and portability,
• social welfare systems,
• qualifications,
• skills,
• cross-border worker mobility,
• the changing world of work (i.e., remote / hybrid working), and
• collective bargaining and trade union coverage.

With the aim to test findings in terms of themes. This may include, for example, competitiveness, sustainable job creation and the labour market.

The team includes Maureen O’Reilly who is an independent Economist, Annmarie O’Kane who leads the Border People project with the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Seamus McGuinness and Anne Devlin from the ESRI and Rose Tierney, a cross border accountant and tax specialist.

The research will take place during Q4 of 2023.

Employer Participation

We are very keen to hear as many business views as possible and would appreciate 10 minutes of your time to understand the issues relating to employing people across the border, highlight the implications for your business and whether a solution has/can be found to them along with the potential opportunities for greater cooperation and operation of the labour market across the island.

To participate please click on the following link: EMPLOYER SURVEY

Cross-border worker participation 

It is essential that the real, lived experience of cross-border workers in the region is captured. As a result, we’d be delighted if you could help us to understand the challenges encountered and identify solutions where possible.

To participate please click on the following link: WORKER SURVEY

Your involvement is much appreciated. Thank you.

For further information please contact Annmarie O’Kane borderpeople@qub.ac.uk or Maureen O’Reilly m.oreilly@hotmail.co.uk