The popularity of working for a UK company is apparent in the high numbers of foreign workers residing in large cities like London and Manchester. However, to access top-tier job opportunities and generous workers’ rights, you may not have to relocate.
The Republic of Ireland has seen a noticeable increase in professionals working remotely for UK companies, but why is this – when salaries tend to be slightly higher than UK salaries? And what is involved in landing a remote UK job?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about working for a UK company while living in the Republic of Ireland.
Why Irish professionals choose to work for UK companies
The UK could be considered a home from home for Republic of Ireland residents, with shared language and similar cultures, so working for a UK company is unlikely to throw up day-to-day obstacles.
But what rewards does it bring if salary isn’t necessarily one of them? For starters, the job market in cities like Belfast, London, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Manchester presents way more opportunities than can be found in Ireland.
For instance, the finance, tech, and arts industries are booming in London, and sometimes the only way to level up in these careers is by working for a company in the big city.
However, the benefits go beyond just job opportunities. When it comes to sick pay and maternity pay entitlements, UK companies are obliged by law to be more generous.
According to Irish employment law, your employer is not legally required to pay you sick leave; instead, illness benefits are claimed from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. On the other hand, UK employers have to pay their staff Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks per period of illness.
Arguably the biggest employment perk in the UK is the 52 weeks of maternity leave, including 39 weeks paid. In the Republic of Ireland, mothers only have 26 weeks of paid leave.
How to find a remote job with a UK company
Fortunately, the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement between the UK and Ireland means there aren’t too many hoops to jump through when securing a job. But what’s the best approach to finding employment remotely?
A good place to start is with an online UK job board or remote work platform. If you’re looking for a tech-related job, then it’s worth downloading Welcome to the Jungle. These jobs are always in demand, along with customer service and digital marketing roles.
Alternatively, there’s Indeed UK, Reed.co.uk, or the old trusty LinkedIn.
In fact, it may be worth making the most of LinkedIn Premium for a limited time to follow and reach out to recruiters, employers, and employees of companies you’re interested in working for.
The next step could be to get in touch with Irish recruitment agencies that specialise in UK placements or directly with a UK recruitment agency.
Legalities and tax considerations
Before going full steam ahead into a UK remote job, there are certain legal logistics to consider. Although under the CTA agreement, UK and Republic of Ireland citizens have the right to work in both countries, there are some tax hurdles.
If you’re a full-time employee of a UK company but reside in Ireland, your income may be subject to Irish taxation.
Fortunately, the UK-Ireland double taxation agreement ensures you don’t pay tax twice, but you’ll need to make sure you’re filing tax returns in Ireland, claiming tax credit for the tax already paid in the UK, and providing proof in the form of pay slips.
Another way to avoid this headache is to register as a self-employed contractor. In fact, plenty of UK companies offer contractor roles for Irish remote workers.
This would mean that you’re only taxed in Ireland, but the downside is that you miss out on employment rights (including those that made a UK job so appealing in the first place).
Once you’ve decided which route to take, make sure you check with your employer about its health insurance, pensions, and social security contributions policies.
Essential tools for cross-border remote work
Once you’re fully settled into your new role, it’s time to consider how best to digitally optimize your day-to-day tasks. Working fully remotely has its challenges, but there are plenty of tools out there to help lighten the load.
Communication tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Meet are fantastic for meetings, scheduling, and informal chats with colleagues. Don’t underestimate how important this kind of socialising is if you’re spending the whole day at home alone.
Project management platforms just keep getting smarter and smarter. So, you can rely on software like Notion and monday.com for features like cloud storage, to-do lists, and collaboration tools, alongside standard project and task management assistance.
If you’ve gone down the freelancer road, integrating time tracking and payment tools into your workflows can help make invoicing from afar that much easier.
Finally, you may need to use a VPN solution to access a company network remotely. It’s always wise to follow cybersecurity practices like using a VPN and other internet security tools.
Working for a UK company remotely from Ireland 101
The good news is that it’s possible to get the best of both worlds: enjoying your current life in beautiful Ireland and benefitting from the numerous job opportunities and employment benefits of working for a big company in the UK.
However, it’s important to have your wits about you before accepting a new role. Look carefully into the company’s policies and employee benefits, and perhaps speak to an accountant to ensure everything’s in order and you’re not paying tax twice.
If you’re happy to take on a few logistical hurdles, there are many benefits waiting for you. With the right digital tools, you can unlock a whole new level of efficiency and productivity, even if you’re a swim away from the office.
