EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland N Ireland. Joe Lavery Partnership Co-ordinator.

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1 EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland N Ireland Joe Lavery Partnership Co-ordinator.

2 EURES (European Employment Services) is a co-operation network between the European Commission and the Public Employment Services. It has two arms - EURES Trans National to encourage mobility among member states of the European Union 2.8% of population of European Union live in a country other than the one in which they were born. EURES Cross Border - to encourage and support the movement of workers between the two jurisdictions by making it easier for those who want to work or live in the neighbouring jurisdiction Circa 800,000 people cross a border to work each day across the European Union.

3 There are approximately 21 Cross Border Partnerships throughout European Union covering 13 countries. These include - France Italy, Spain France, Denmark Sweden, Belgium Netherlands, Ireland N. Ireland, Spain Portugal, Austria Italy etc Germany has 8 Partnerships with different countries along its borders.

4 The Role of the Cross Border Partnership First & foremost for Individuals to provide information on job opportunities, working conditions, training opportunities and tax and welfare conditions. For Employers to provide information on the supply/demand of labour that exists and to support recruitment across the border.

5 Area covered includes All of N Ireland (Antrim, Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Derry, Tyrone). Border counties of Republic (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Sligo and Leitrim).

6 The Cross Border Partnership consists of representatives from PES N Ireland (DEL) PES Rep. of Ireland (DSP Emp. Service) Trade Unions (ICTU, UNITE) Chambers of Commerce Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Irish Business & Employers Confederation (IBEC).

7 The Partnership is governed by a steering committee made up of representatives from the organisations previously mentioned. It has a full time co-ordinator to organise the day to day activities of the Partnership. It has EURES Advisers specifically trained in European Cross Border affairs at present these include reps from the Employment Services, Chambers of Commerce and Trade Unions who devote a specific amount of their time to EURES activities.

8 The Aims include To provide an exchange of information and advice on vacancies and job applications as well as living and working conditions in the cross border regions. To contribute to the development of this flow of information by direct and regular contacts between the EURES Advisers in the region. To ensure access to training opportunities in the regions concerned. To contribute to and develop projects aimed at improving the labour market in the cross-border region, including cooperation with other relevant programmes

9 Roles of PES EURES Advisers Public Employment Service Advisers (DEL & DSP) provide Information, Advice & recruitment service to jobseekers & employers interested in cross border working. Act as a resource for staff within own organisations on cross border labour mobility issues. Market the Partnership within their own organisations. Organise and assist at all EURES Cross Border events.

10 Role of Chamber of Commerce Advisers Employer organisation EURES Advisers provide Information and advice to employers and employer organisations on cross border labour market issues. Identify obstacles to North South business cooperation to facilitate trade. Market the Partnership among Employer Organisations. Carry out activities under the EURES Cross Border Partnership Annual Plan.

11 Role of Trade Union EURES Advisers Trade Union EURES Advisers provide information and advice on employment, social security entitlements and contracts of employment. Identify obstacles to free movement esp regarding social security and fiscal matters. Represent the Partnership within Trade Union movements and Social Partners. Carry out activities under the EURES Cross Border Partnership Annual Plan

12 How many people cross our Border to work? The Partnership commissioned a study in the year 2009/2010 Carried out by the Centre for Cross Border Studies in Armagh. Based around North West Ireland - counties Derry in N Ireland and Donegal in Republic of Ireland.

13 How many people cross the Border to work? A sample of 64 organisations located within 30km on each side of the border across a range of sectors, estimate 5,500 cross-border workers stronger flow from South to North (different in Newry/Dundalk areas) estimate a total 23,481 cross-border commuters exist. Probably less now due to recession being prolonged.

14 Some problems faced by our Jobseekers and Employers in a Cross Border context; Currency Taxation Benefits Welfare Systems/Children's Benefits Healthcare Qualification Recognition

15 Why Cross Border support? Experiences from across Europe have shown that if governments & councils are not working closely together gaps appear. Little appetite from central governments to support cross border labour mobility each is generally only interested in their own jurisdiction. Differences in cross border regions will not be eliminated no one will do it so we must work through it. More information provided for cattle crossing a border than for humans!

16 Why Cross Border Support? Cross Border labour mobility occurs naturally if there is work people will follow it (especially in relation to salaries and opportunities). Clearly seen in Ireland during boom times. People need to be mobile for opportunities. Mechanisms need to be in place to support this.

17 Changing Face of Cross Border Labour Mobility. In boom times, almost full employment. Most queries were to do with getting people employment esp. going North to South. In recession times most queries deal with benefit, redundancy, tax, child benefit and secondary payments i.e. tax credits, FIS etc.

18 How we have overcome some of our problems. EURES Networks on both sides of the border. Cross Border Networks in Ireland N Ireland CCBS/AEBR/ICBAN etc Support and signposting system for those with queries/problems.

19 How we have overcome some of our problems. Qualification Recognition N Ireland NARIC Database (available in all J&Bo). Qualification Recognition Rep of Ireland QUALREC through the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (Dublin).

20 How we have overcome some of our problems. Working closely with FE and Institutes of Technology to link them up and create networks. Provide as much information as possible in user friendly formats. Raise awareness of the issues and where the support lies.

21 Bus Along the Border.

22 The Future Future of EURES is changing and uncertain. Uncertain route the economy is taking ensures less emphasis on cross border mobility. Must remember that there are a lot of people in need of support who live, work and study on a cross border basis. Cross border support has slipped down the priority list, but must not be forgotten.

23 Thank you! Or on Facebook.