Almost half of workers would consider cross-border jobs, but tax and transport remain barriers

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• 46% of workers would consider a cross-border role for their next career move, primarily for higher pay and better career opportunities.
• 69% of respondents believe the skills needed to fill current vacancies are available in the neighbouring jurisdiction.
• 3% of hiring managers call for greater tax alignment, while 51% want improved transport links to support cross-border working.

Almost half of workers (46%) across Ireland and Northern Ireland would consider a cross-border role to advance their careers, according to one of the largest all-island workforce surveys in recent years. The report, published today by Ibec, Hays, and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), draws on insights from over 1,200 respondents. Findings show that while the interest in cross-border job opportunities is high, dual tax systems and poor transport options are keeping workers from taking them up.

Practical barriers continue to limit this mobility. Only 30% of workers say they clearly understand the dual-tax requirements, demonstrating a clear deterrent for those seeking roles in either jurisdiction. Consequently, 53% of hiring managers identify greater tax alignment as an urgent priority, while 51% call for improved transport links to support cross-border working and plug critical skills gaps.

Commenting on the findings, Fergal O'Brien, Executive Director of Policy, Lobbying and Global Affairs at Ibec said: “The all-island economy has become one of our greatest shared economic achievements, with an integrated labour market helping businesses access talent, address skills shortages and drive growth on both sides of the border.

However, these findings show that we are not yet realising its full potential. Almost half of workers would consider a cross-border role, while 69% of respondents believe the skills needed to fill vacancies already exist in the neighbouring jurisdiction. That represents a significant opportunity for businesses and workers alike.

Yet practical barriers, such as complexity across the different tax and social welfare systems, continue to stand in the way. At a time of increasing global economic uncertainty, we cannot take the success of the all-island economy for granted. Greater cooperation between both jurisdictions, more supportive labour market policies and closer regulatory alignment will be essential to maintaining our competitive edge and unlocking the full potential of our shared economy".

The research highlights significant untapped potential, with 69% of employers confident that the specific skills required to fill domestic vacancies exist across the border. The findings come against the backdrop of significant employment growth across the island, with 550,000 jobs added since 2019. However, there are early signs of a changing labour market, with 26% of recruitment professionals anticipating a tightening of the market over the next 12 months.

Barney Ely, Senior Managing Director, Ireland & Northern Ireland, Hays said: “The research shows a clear appetite among professionals to look beyond the border for better pay and career opportunities, while employers increasingly recognise the potential to access skills and talent beyond their immediate market. At a time when businesses continue to face skills shortages, cross border hiring presents a significant opportunity for both organisations and workers.

However, interest alone will not create mobility. Commuting costs, tax and social security complexities, and restrictions on flexible working can all influence whether a cross-border role is a realistic option. By making these opportunities easier to understand and navigate, we can help businesses access the skills they need while giving more people the confidence and choice to build rewarding careers across the island".

Flexible working also remains a key consideration for employees, with more than two-thirds (68%) preferring hybrid roles, compared with just 14% who would consider fully onsite positions.

Despite the progress made towards a more integrated economy, one-third (33%) of respondents do not view the two jurisdictions as a single, unified labour market.

Angela McGowan, Director of CBI Northern Ireland, said:

“The ‘Tomorrow’s Talent’ report highlights the importance of employees being able to work seamlessly across the island and employers having access to the all-island talent pool. In a modern economy, we cannot afford to leave talent untapped or critical roles unfilled. A delivery driver working between Sligo and Strabane, or an IT specialist working in Dublin and Belfast, should not face unnecessary barriers to doing their job.

This report highlights the complexities facing firms and people who weigh up decisions to recruit or work across the border. It is an invaluable contribution to the discussions the CBI and Ibec are having with government and helps to identify and prioritise key policy issues that must be addressed".

ENDS