In this insightful opinion piece, specialist supply chain and procurement staffing consultant, Sheena Crosbie, explores the implications of the newly implemented Windsor Framework, offering analysis on how it re-shapes the employment landscape and opportunities in Northern Ireland.
As a specialist recruitment consultant working in the supply chain and procurement sector in Northern Ireland, I have kept a keen eye on recent developments with the implementation of The Windsor Framework.
For some time, the mention of the Northern Ireland Protocol has created a sense of unease among many business leaders, who are concerned about the potential for economic disruption and the headache of new compliance processes. In September, following the Specialised Committee meeting, the UK Government and European Commission gave its latest statement on implementing the Windsor Framework. Since then, I have watched with interest to see how these changes could create new jobs and growth in Northern Ireland’s supply chain and procurement sector.
The first phase of The Windsor Framework came into effect on the 1st of October. It aims to provide certainty around the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, with the UK Government confident that this will bring long-term growth and stability to the economy and ushering in a new era of job opportunities. A recent poll, conducted for a report by academics at Queen’s University Belfast, suggests that the Windsor Framework has majority support, with 6 in 10 polled (60%) agreeing that it’s the best available compromise for addressing the concerns of people in Northern Ireland with the original Protocol.
Trader Support Service: Navigating the New Trade Seas
First, it’s vital to recognise the role of the Trader Support Service (TSS), a free to use support service implemented as part of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The TSS has been a lifeline for many businesses, mitigating the effects of customs changes post-Brexit, offering free advice and handling customs declarations. TSS helps goods move smoothly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland to help businesses overcome the intricacies of cross-border trade.
The Dual Market – Fuelling Growth and Employment
The concept of a dual market in Northern Ireland, which is underscored by the Windsor Framework, presents a unique economic advantage. In principle, goods can flow freely in Northern Ireland from both Great Britain and the European Union, making it an interesting choice for businesses looking to access both markets—without the customary red tape.
This creates a competitive advantage, drawing new investment to boost economic growth, and consequently, generating new job opportunities. Industry experts suggest that dual-market access has the potential to grow the economy by up to 50% and create over 30,000 new jobs. As businesses capitalise on dual access, I expect demand for professionals skilled in logistics, customs regulations, and trade compliance to rise.
From procurement managers to logistic coordinators, the ripple effect of a flourishing dual market could see an uptick in demand across the entire supply chain.
Retail Movement Scheme: Signals A Boost for Commerce
The introduction of the retail movement scheme, a crucial element of the Windsor Framework, aims to simplify the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Ultimately, this will reduce the administrative load and ensure a more seamless trading environment—the linchpin of efficient supply chain management.
For the job market, in the longer-term, I believe the overall effect of the scheme will be positive. With easier movement of good encouraging retail growth, it could lead to expansion in retail operations, bringing greater demand for jobs in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management.
New Flexibility: Growing Opportunities
The Windsor Framework also introduces new flexibilities in the movement of agrifood goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The sector is significant, as it accounts for a considerable portion of employment in Northern Ireland. From October 2023, with new arrangements providing an easier path for agrifood products, I expect to see a ripple effect on the job market, not just in the direct supply of these goods but also in related sectors, such as logistics, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance.
Impact of The Windsor Framework on the Job Market
The Windsor Framework introduces a less ridged trading environment and I believe the impact on the job market in Northern Ireland is poised to be substantial. With the reduced friction in trade, companies in the supply chain and procurement sectors are likely to need a bigger workforce to manage increased volumes of cross-border transactions. There could also be an increased need for training and development, as companies upskill the workforce to manage new supply chain and procurement processes.
Compliance roles will become more specialised as businesses seek experts who can navigate the unique dual regulatory environment. Similarly, logistics and transport companies may need to expand their teams to accommodate the growing demand for their services, creating a surge in recruitment for drivers, logistics coordinators, and warehouse staff.
Objections
From a business perspective, The Windsor Framework does have detractors who are not convinced yet. The implementation of the Framework will happen in stages through to 2025. Some conditions are now in place with others to come into effect over time. This is giving companies time to adjust and make appropriate arrangements but with some elements of the Framework in action yet to be clarifies, leaves some businesses in the dark on how beneficial the new agreement will be for them.
Dissenting voices have come from some trade bodies including the British Meat Traders Association (BMPA), who have suggested that it could force some UK companies to pull their production sites out of Northern Ireland and re-locate or increase production in the UK because the new rules will restrict how they’re able to move goods between the two.
It is clear there is still some work to be done to get this right.
Conclusion
The Windsor Framework offers a complex yet promising landscape for the Northern Ireland economy as it adapts to its post-Brexit environment and has potential to propel economic growth and job creation. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, it’s clear to me that businesses in the supply chain and procurement sectors—and by extension, the job market in Northern Ireland—stand at the threshold of a transformative era, one that requires readiness from employers to adapt, innovate, and capitalise on new opportunities.
If you're considering your next career move in the supply chain and procurement sector in Northern Ireland, get in touch with our team today at NI@cpl.com or call us on +44 289 072 5600.
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