Those of us who work in services in Northern Ireland face post Brexit uncertainty

This is the opening line of Ulster’s Solemn League and Covenant:

“Being convinced in our consciences that Home Rule would be disastrous to the material well-being of Ulster…”

It clearly and justly speaks of the importance of material well-being. Not of greed or profligacy but simply an acknowledgement that our daily bread must come from somewhere.

Back then Ulster had industries not only to protect but ones that were a cause for envy, a feat made all the more remarkable considering our land’s lack of natural resources in terms of steel and coal.

Now, these industries have been replaced by others. Perhaps neither as impressive nor as lucrative as the iron-wroughts of the past but still they are a source of daily bread.

However, for people such as myself this source is now at risk.

Whomever was tasked with representing Northern Ireland’s interests at the Brexit trade talks saw fit to acquiesce in Northern Ireland’s removal from the single market for services.

In layman’s terms this means that contractors, freelancers, specialists and consultants who have their practices based in Northern Ireland (such as myself) are potentially barred from trading in the EU (we do not know for sure yet, there is too much confusion).

If this comes to pass then I will have to take my practice out of Northern Ireland and base it in a country that can allow me to work with the EU (where the bulk of the work is).

Though not immediately apparent (nor indeed significant) it will certainly be felt by those whom manage my affairs in Northern Ireland and of course Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will no longer be entitled to its percentage of my company’s earnings.

This act could be replicated a thousandfold as northern based consultants have to move their admin elsewhere.

I would ask that those who claim to stand for NI’s best interests go back to the drawing board and see to it that NI can be re-inserted into the single market for services.

Rather than being a place that consultants will have to relocate from NI could instead become a place that consultants relocate to, as such a development would not escape the attention of consultants and service providers in GB who find themselves similarly cut off from EU work.

Surely it is in our interests to have thousands of companies set up shop in Northern Ireland, pay tax here and utilise local services?

There needs to be more examination of the actual consequences of our Brexit arrangements and proposals rather than acting out of blind zeal, which, I fear, has been the guiding hand of too many of those involved.

If people find themselves more easily moved by rhetoric and fervour rather than daily bread issues then perhaps they could honourably choose to stand aside in favour of those whose vision is less clouded?

Neale Weir, Castledawson, Co Londonderry

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