New research examining the experiences and working conditions of
low-paid employees in the north has been published today.
Welcoming the research, Economy Minister Dr said:This important
research provides valuable new evidence about the realities of
low-paid work in the north. It demonstrates that tackling low pay
is not solely about hourly wage rates. The security,
predictability and availability of working hours, access to
employment protections, opportunities for progression and the
wider quality of people's working lives are also vitally
important.
I am committed to creating a fairer and more productive workplace
right across the north, and the Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill
I have brought to the Executive, is a major step towards that
goal. By strengthening employment protections and promoting fair
and secure work, these reforms will support the creation of more
Good Jobs across the north.
The report, Working Life on Low Pay in Northern Ireland:
Evidence from the Working in Ireland Survey 2025, examines
low pay alongside wider aspects of job quality, including working
hours, employment security, training, workplace relationships,
autonomy and financial wellbeing.
Key messages emerging from the research include:
- Low weekly earnings remain widespread;
- Working hours are a key driver of low pay;
- Certain groups face a higher risk of low pay; and
- Low pay is concentrated in specific sectors and locations.
The Minister added: Employers also have an important role to
play, and I would encourage businesses and organisations across
the north to sign up as accredited Living Wage employers.
Everyone should have the opportunity to access secure, fairly
paid and fulfilling work and my proposed legislation will play a
key role in supporting low-income families and ensuring fairer
working conditions for employees.
Notes to editors:
-
Working Life on Low Pay in Northern Ireland: Evidence from
the Working in Ireland Survey 2025 was authored by Lisa
Wilson, John Geary, Hugh Creaton, David Jordan, Juliet Hassard,
Maria Belizon and Chris Smart.
- The Working in Ireland Survey 2025 covered a wide range of
employment issues, including pay, job quality, skills, training,
autonomy, wellbeing and employee voice.
- A copy of the report is available Working in
Ireland Survey: An All-Ireland Study 2025 | WIIS
- The Department's Good Jobs priority is focused on raising
workplace standards through better pay, contractual security,
work-life balance, employee voice and representation. The
Employment Rights Bill includes measures relating to predictable
working hours, protections for workers, family-related leave and
trade union representation.
