The Department for the Economy has released the findings of the Northern Ireland Skills and Employment Survey 2024, a major report that comprehensively examines work quality and provides a detailed snapshot of working life for employees across the region.

The survey is the local component of the wider UK-wide survey of individuals in employment aged 20-65 years old. It is the eighth in a series of nationally representative sample surveys designed to collect detailed information about the jobs held by respondents.

The wide-ranging data collected includes insights into:

• The skills employees utilise in their roles.

• Whether they feel their jobs are valuable to society.

• The level of autonomy they can exercise at work.

• The availability of flexible hours. • The training they receive.

• The emotional impact of the job on them.

• Their place of work (e.g., home or office).

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the publication of the report, stating that the survey provides "valuable insights into skills and employment issues."

The Minister highlighted that the findings will directly inform her "Good Jobs agenda," which focuses on key workplace improvements, including:

• Higher pay.

• Contractual security.

• Better work-life balance.

• Improved employee voice and representation in the workplace.

Dr Archibald confirmed that: "The results will provide a crucial step in building the evidence base that will guide and influence future decisions on skills and employment policy across the north, to ensure our workforce is equipped for the challenges ahead."