New research has revealed the UK's decision to leave the EU has impacted business for nearly a third of engineers in Ireland and the UK.

The Engineers Ireland survey states over 38% of respondents have had commercial deals paused or unfavourably altered as a result of Brexit.

While one in 10 participants said they have changed their plans for hiring or investment, 40% stated they were changing their business strategy to "adapt to the new economic reality of Brexit".

Nearly 84% said they would not favour a 'hard Brexit', while 67% of respondents in Great Britain or Northern Ireland said they were less likely to trade with the Republic of Ireland because of Brexit.


Many participants said possible future strict border controls and trade restrictions between the UK and the Republic of Ireland would have a negative impact for the engineering sector and their ability to work across jurisdictions, while over 43% said the currency crisis has "negatively impacted" operations.

Engineers Ireland Director General, Caroline Spillane, said: "The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union colours every aspect of Ireland's economic future, and the associated uncertainty and unease is already affecting the business activity of our members across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

"Nonetheless, this survey shows that the engineering sector is robust and resourceful, with organisations already adapting to the new Brexit business reality."

The survey involved a sample of 3,000 member engineers across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

(LM/JP)