Report finds persistent low weekly earnings, insecure and unpredictable hours, and sectoral hotspots for low pay across Northern Ireland, as Dr Caoimhe Archibald urges Living Wage accreditation and presses ahead with employment rights reforms.

New research examining the experiences and conditions of low-paid workers in Northern Ireland has been published, with the findings reinforcing the case for the Economy Minister's proposed Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill.Welcoming the research, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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, looks beyond hourly rates to assess wider job quality, including working hours, employment security, training access, workplace relationships, autonomy and financial wellbeing.

Researchers highlight four core messages: low weekly earnings remain common; the number and stability of hours are a major driver of low pay; some groups face higher risks of being low-paid; and low pay clusters in particular sectors and places.

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."

Authored by Lisa Wilson, John Geary, Hugh Creaton, David Jordan, Juliet Hassard, Maria Belizon and Chris Smart, the study draws on the 2025 Working in Ireland Survey, which covers pay, job quality, skills, training, autonomy, wellbeing and employee voice.

The Department's Good Jobs priority focuses on raising standards through fair pay, contractual security, work-life balance, and stronger employee voice and representation. The Employment Rights Bill includes measures on predictable working hours, enhanced worker protections, family-related leave and trade union representation. A copy of the report is available at www.workinginirelandsurvey.com/.