The Grass Really is Greener

Speculation on the Government’s proposed pre-election Budget measures is increasing. A variety of potential exciting amendments and initiatives are currently being discussed in the public forum. 

• Tax breaks and other initiatives aimed at ex-pat finance professionals: Due to the number of professionals who emigrated during the recession, areas such as accounting are currently experiencing skill shortages. This has required the Government to examine ways in which to entice workers in such areas to relocate back to Ireland. Some commentators have suggested that the current initiative aimed at enticing Irish nurses currently working in the UK back to Ireland, or some form thereof, may be replicated in the accounting sector. However, some are of the opinion that the initiative may take the form of sector-specific tax cuts given the private sector element. 
• Universal Social Charge: Whilst there is a particular focus on reducing the difference between the Universal Social Charge paid by self-employed and PAYE workers, the charge is expected to be cut across the board by up to 2%.
• Early Childcare Scheme: It is expected that this scheme, which currently provides for a free year of childcare for children of pre-school age, will be extended and improved to assist mothers trying to return to the workforce. 

These potential Government-backed initiatives coupled with a strong professional jobs market (e.g. the recent announcement by a leading professional finance services firm regarding the creation of 400 new jobs in Ireland) can only serve to increase Ireland’s attractiveness to professional job-seekers. Hopefully, this will entice talented, accounting and finance professionals whom we lost during the recession to return home.

If you are considering re-locating back to Ireland, please contact Ruth Lyndon or any of the Morgan McKinley Limerick Accounting & Finance team on 061 430 940 to discuss job opportunities throughout the West, Mid-West and Midlands.