SFA warns of threat to Irish jobs from Brexit
The Small Firms Association has warned that if Britain decides to leave the EU it will pose a huge risk for small businesses in Ireland.
The SFA has said that thousands of jobs could be put at risk if the UK votes to leave the EU in a referendum on the the 23rd of June.
Linda Barry, SFA assistant director said: “Small firms do not have the same degree of mobility, flexibility and diversification that may help larger businesses to navigate the risks posed by a UK exit from the EU.
“Small businesses may be dependent on a UK supplier, investor or market, which means that their very survival hangs in the balance.”
Trade between the UK and Ireland directly supports 400,000 jobs – half of which are in Ireland, the SFA said.
“The looming referendum is already having a significant impact on exchange rates. Uncertainty has pushed the value of sterling lower, increasing the competitive pressures on Irish exporters. If the UK votes to leave, this effect could intensify.”
