On this basis, and considering the need to quantify the potential benefits of remote working across all of our regions, the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland have prepared a “Regional Co-Working Analysis”. The purpose of the “Regional Co-Working Analysis” is to provide data that will assist in developing the potential of remote working in our regions. This will be achieved by using employment data from the CSO’s Q2 2020 Labour Force Survey and recent research from the European Commission 1 . The “Regional Co-Working Analysis”: 1. Identifies the actual number of private sector workers that are capable of operating remotely on a national and regional basis, as of Q2 2020 2. Estimates the number of private sector workers that are capable of operating remotely on a county basis, as of Q2 2020 3. Identifies the name, location and type of co-working hubs in each county in Ireland, as of September 2020 4. Provides a series of considerations that should assist policymakers in developing additional co- working hubs across Ireland In doing so, the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland will provide a greater level of data in the public domain - that may be complemented by further datasets and future analysis - informing policy makers of the remote working capabilities of the private sector across Ireland while providing details of existing co-working infrastructure on a county basis. That said, it is accepted that the “Regional Co-Working Analysis” will not provide the complete picture on remote working in Ireland. This analysis is only the beginning of a process that involves providing an evidence base to grow remote working - through the delivery of strategically located co-working hubs - and this will be an important component in the implementation of the economic strategy of each Assembly’s RSES, which will be delivered in partnership with relevant stakeholders. Further areas of analysis and research are required in order to build up an appropriate evidence base before specific recommendations can be outlined on how to grow remote working in Ireland. With this in mind, the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland have identified eight areas for consideration , the purpose of which is to identify how gaps in information can be addressed, commence a discussion on actions that could be taken and to establish an evidence-based approach to grow remote working. These eight areas of considerations should further inform policy makers of the next steps needed to deliver additional co-working hubs in line with the spatial and economic objectives of each Assembly’s RSES. It should be noted that certain considerations refer to financial incentives. In this regard, the intention is not to prescribe a direct course of action - at this early stage - but rather to begin a discussion on the best financial methods that will grow remote working. Therefore, the areas of considerations are: 1. Prepare detailed consultation with private firms in sectors that are capable of operating remotely, seeking their views on factors that need to be addressed to allow employees to work remotely from co-working hubs on a permanent basis. 2. Prepare a nationwide survey of the current capacity of co-working hubs – both privately and publicly owned – in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland, the Regional Assemblies of Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. 3. Prepare a nationwide survey that identifies the ideal work location of private sector workers whose jobs are considered to be remote workable, while simultaneously identifying the up-to-date habits of commuters who have remote workable jobs.
1 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC120578/jrc120578_report_covid_confinement_measures_final_updated_good.pdf
2
REGIONAL CO-WORKING ANALYSIS
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker