EY Economic Eye: Winter 2020 - Bouncing back or stepping forward

The EY Economic Eye podcast provides up-to-the-minute analysis of the all-island economy across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In each episode, host Richard Curran talks to EY Chief Economist, Neil Gibson, about current key economic indicators and the impact they are having on business across the entire country. Areas covered include growth forecasts, the labour market, wages, trade, investment, government spending, as well as global and political issues, such as trade wars and Brexit and the implications for both jurisdictions. In this episode, Neil outlines the findings of the Economic Eye Winter 2020 Report: ‘Bouncing Back or Stepping Forward’. Topics include:  The sectors of the economy that have been ‘COVID-proof’ and how Ireland has benefitted from their strong performance. How the private sector and consumers can start to play their part in Ireland’s economic recovery. Why Northern Ireland’s ‘much maligned’ public sector has been critical in off-setting the economic impact of COVID-19. The three reasons behind why some sectors will never employ as many people in the future as they did in 2019.  Why Neil is optimistic about a Brexit trade deal.  The challenges of funding Ireland’s health service.  Why a greater focus on online and remote work is also creating more appreciation of personal contact.