Equality research to probe labour market statistics

Equality Minister John Spellar has confirmed that further research is to be carried out on “equality of opportunity” within the labour market for Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.

Making the announcement, Mr Spellar said that he recognised that research findings, particularly those in ‘Fair Employment in Northern Ireland: A Generation On’, which was published by the Equality Commission For Northern Ireland last year, had demonstrated differing social attitudes and perceptions towards fair employment in Northern Ireland - in particular, a growing perception of Protestant inequality.

He said: “Elected representatives from the Unionist community have raised their concerns about perceived inequality in the labour market and the effect this has on good relations.

“Likewise, elected representatives from the Nationalist/Republican community have emphasised the importance of making progress on equality of opportunity in the context of building better community relations.

“Social attitudes may not be reflective of objective facts, but peoples' actions are often determined by their perceptions and these can lead to mistrust, and be harmful to good relations.”

The Minister added that he did not underestimate the importance of objective evidence in helping to clarify the position so that we are clear about what needs to be done to address the various concerns and perceptions on this issue.

“In this context, further research will be taken forward to provide an objective analysis of the position concerning equality of opportunity for Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland,” he concluded.

(MB/SP)