Cpl International has warned that Northern Ireland could suffer a brain drain with the company’s latest market monitor report showing that 95% of employers in the Republic of Ireland believe they will be better placed to attract top talent following Brexit.

According to Darrach Teague, Cpl’s Head of Operations, Northern Ireland must plan for the potential knock on effects of Brexit uncertainty to ensure it continues to attract the skills it needs. Commenting he said:

”With its favourable corporate and personal tax rates, a young, talented workforce and soon to be the only English speaking country in the EU the Republic is in a strong position to attract talent. Estimates suggest that, foreign direct investment is at an all–time high and is set to rise further due to its increasing appeal as a business hub. Northern Ireland’s unique place in the UK and the all island nature of the local economy could leave it exposed. The challenge is to work creatively to position Northern Ireland as a good place to do business ensuring continued investment to maintain and grow our skills base.”

Elsewhere Cpl’s research also shows that many employers appear to be resisting changes to current work patterns despite the increased productivity it could deliver. Northern Ireland’s productivity has been found to be among the lowest in the developed world and statistics from the Office for National Statistics have shown that the productivity gap between GB and Northern Ireland is widening.

64% of employers surveyed believe that staff are less productive when they work from home, even though studies show that employees value flexibility above other benefits.  60% believe that the technologies facilitating home–working work better in theory than in practice. 95% of employers believe that 5 extra days’ holidays would increase productivity in their workforce.  However, considering 80% of staff don’t take their full holiday entitlement, this extra leave may not be used.

Commenting on the findings Áine Brolly, CEO of Cpl in Northern Ireland said:

“Northern Ireland’s productivity shortfall compared to Great Britain and international best practice has existed for decades. As our research shows employers are resisting home–working with presenteeism appearing, still, to be an important criterion for measuring ‘productivity’, despite proof it is ineffective.  If employers want to hire and keep the best talent, they need to reconsider what they can offer. This change in culture could benefit not only individual companies and sectors but the economy as a whole.”