Pure Cork - Stronger Together

At the outset of 2022, a number of member businesses reported serious issues with staff shortages and the recruitment of skilled labour across SMEs, large indigenous businesses and multinational employers. Beyond typical recruitment or retention problems - a genuine skills shortage exists across numerous sectors and is most acutely felt in the hospitality, health, manufacturing, technology, and financial services sectors. Skills consistently rank in the top 3 threats to business as verified in our Quarterly Economic Trends Survey.

Distinct from the current Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, the inward migration of skills is key to the goals and the population projections of Ireland 2040. In the Southern Region, the National Planning Framework (NPF) plans for up to 380,000 additional people and Cork will be home for 60% of these people. Cork will also host 135,000 new jobs. It is clear that to meet this ambition, diversity and the attractiveness of our region will be key.

Talent attraction is a complex issue and Covid-19 has undoubtedly exacerbated the problem, with a fall from 28,900 per annum to 11,200 of net migration last year. The number of immigrants to the State in the year to April 2021 decreased by 23.7% in the year to April 2020. Overall, population growth of 34,000 (+0.7%) in the year to April 2021, represents the smallest population increase since 2014.

Government and business are now challenged to switch from readiness and reactivity as a result of the Covid 19 crisis, to now respond to the onslaught of war in Ukraine just one short month ago.

We are shocked by the unfolding humanitarian tragedy and the consequences of this cruel war. Separately, but inextricably linked, we welcome the recent application of emergency measures to remove the visa requirement for Ukraine nationals travelling to Ireland and understand this is under review and the impact monitored closely.

We are stronger when we stand together and this stance must shape our response to support Ukraine and its people though these dark times. With up to 40000 Ukrainian refugees expected in Ireland by the end of April we need to make enormous efforts to ensure that they can be speedily integrated into local communities and the workforce.

On meeting the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko on 16 March last, the Ambassador encouraged Irish businesses to consider how they can provide employment opportunities to Ukrainian citizens arriving in Ireland, many of whom have excellent language and technical skills.

Many refugees with poorer English will need help in finding opportunities that match their skills and talents. With so many of the refugees being women, childcare will be a serious problem for those who seek to work while they are here.

Recognition of professional qualifications (such as childcare certification and drivers’, including HGV, licences) needs to be accelerated. Government must resource the Garda vetting service to ensure that people who are here can be facilitated in finding work as quickly as possible.

More generally, as travel and the economy opens once again, employment permit policy must be prioritised and be part of the response to addressing skills deficits. Non-EEA workers with work permits have played and will continue to play an important and positive role in the Irish economy. The requirement to recruit from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) is critical for business continuity and survival.

Mobility for workers, investors, visiting academics, researchers, graduates and interns all contribute to the dynamism of the Irish economy and the vibrancy of our communities.

The permit system needs to be responsive and ensure that the processing of visas for workers coming to Ireland from non-EEA countries is done more flexibly and with speed, with the applicant and employers remaining central to the process at all times. In turn, employers availing of the Critical Skills Employment Permit must continue to meet the challenge of up-skilling, lifelong learning, and maximising the potential of all in the workforce.

Although cognisant of the current emergency measures for Ukrainians travelling to Ireland, we urge for the visa processing system to be reviewed and for continuous improvements to be made to meet the needs and expectations of the applicants and that of their employers. The system and visa process should continually seek to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the wider Irish labour market.

Issues with the high cost of living and quality of life factors in Ireland should not erode Cork and Ireland’s competitiveness as destination of choice. Urban living, regeneration, and capital project plans such as the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) all contribute to creating an attractive internationally competitive place to live and work.

Stronger integration with our local community and the principles of sustainability, resilience, inclusion, equality and diversity are key.

Alongside quality-of-life factors a prodiversity society must also be strongly anti-racist. Ireland is one of the only countries in the EU which does not currently have legislation establishing bias motivation as an aggravating circumstance of a crime. The Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2021 must be approved with pace.

In order for Ireland to become a more diverse, equal and inclusive society, everyone, must be able to feel welcome, safe and heard.

In addition to IDA Ireland assisting FDI companies to navigate the immigration process the efficiency of the migration infrastructure and additional supports for individuals and companies outside of the foreign direct investment model are welcome. A ‘one stop shop’ service which processes all applications for work permits, and visas could provide broad support and integration advice for economic migrants. A strong case can also be made for resourcing a dedicated national talent attraction team, like those in place in multiple other states and city regions.

A diverse society that values equality will support Ireland to meeting the goals of Ireland 2040 and ensure that access to a talented motivated workforce is not a barrier to economic growth.

In a global world and in a competitive world for mobile talent, Ireland needs to live up to its reputation as place of welcome and a céad míle fáilte!