Good Jobs 2024
Good Jobs 2024
1. Introduction
1.1 Context
The Minister of the Economy set out four key objectives as part of a new Economic Mission.
New Decade, New Approach recognised that “good jobs, where workers have a voice that provides a level of autonomy, a decent income, security of tenure, satisfying work in the right quantities and decent working conditions, should be integral to public policy”.
Accordingly, one objective is to increase the proportion of working-age people in Good Jobs.
NISRA has been commissioned by the Department for the Economy (DfE) to develop a Good Jobs Measure for Northern Ireland aiming to show the proportion of the working age population in good jobs. The DfE has defined a ‘good job’ as one that offers an employee of working age, that is between the ages of 16 and 64, the following:
- A permanent contract; and
- A non zero-hour contract; and
- Earning the Real Living Wage or more.
1.2 Key points
- The rate of good jobs in Northern Ireland stood at 66.7% in 2024, marking a 4.2 percentage point (pps) drop from its peak in 2022.
- Belfast had the highest proportion of good jobs (73.1%), whilst Causeway Coast and Glens had the lowest (54.4%). Mid Ulster and Belfast were the only areas where the good jobs rate exceeded the NI average.
- The ‘Transport and Communication’ sector had the highest percentage of good jobs (83.2%), while the ‘Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing’ and ‘Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants’ sectors had the lowest (46.5% and 46.7% respectively).
- Younger workers (under 30) had the lowest share of good jobs but saw the greatest growth in good job rates. Workers in their 40s had the highest proportion of good jobs.
- ‘Managers, directors, and senior officials’ had the highest proportion of good jobs (91.8%), while ‘Elementary occupations’ had the lowest, with less than one-third of positions qualifying.
- Within the priority sectors as outlined by DfE, the ‘Financial Services/Fintech’ sector had the highest proportion of good jobs (95.4%), while ‘Agri-Tech’ had the lowest (74.4%).
- Full-time workers had a much higher rate of good jobs than part-time workers (78.4% and 37.8% respectively). There was a notable gender gap, with the rate of good jobs for females 12 percentage point lower than the rate for males (60.9% and 72.9% respectively).
1.3 Commentary
As of 2024, two-thirds of all jobs in Northern Ireland are considered good, with the majority located in Belfast. Workers aged 30 and older, as well as those in full-time positions, are more likely to hold a good job. Occupations that require higher skills and roles in priority sectors are particularly dominated by good jobs.
Overall, the number of good jobs steadily increased from 2017 to 2022. However, in recent years, this rate has fallen, partly due to a decline in permanent contracts and a drop in jobs that pay above the Real Living Wage.
2. Good Jobs
2.1 Good Jobs in Northern Ireland
Key findings
- The good jobs rate in Northern Ireland stands at 66.7% in 2024, 4.2pps lower than the peak observed in 2022.
- The share of permanent contracts has decreased slightly by 2pps since 2017.
- The proportion of non-zero hour contracts has remained stable at approximately 90%.
- The number of employee jobs paying at or above the real living wage follows a similar trend to that of good jobs.
Figure 1: Good jobs rate fell almost 4pps over the year
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) and its components, 2017 to 2024
Chart
Table
| Year | Permanent | Non-zero contract | Atleast RLW | Good jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 90.7 | 89.2 | 71.7 | 63.4 |
| 2018 | 90.4 | 90.5 | 71.3 | 63.7 |
| 2019 | 90.0 | 89.7 | 74.1 | 65.5 |
| 2020 | 88.4 | 89.6 | 72.9 | 62.8 |
| 2021 | 88.4 | 89.8 | 78.1 | 66.9 |
| 2022 | 87.8 | 88.6 | 84.5 | 70.9 |
| 2023 | 88.0 | 89.0 | 83.1 | 70.5 |
| 2024 | 87.9 | 89.0 | 78.5 | 66.7 |
The percentage of good jobs in Northern Ireland showed a steady increase from 2017 to 2022, rising from 63.4% to 70.9%. The only significant dip during this period occurred in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the rate dropped by nearly 3pps. In that year, 16% of employee jobs were furloughed, resulting in a 20% reduction in earnings.
Over the last two years, the trend reversed with consecutive declines. In 2023, the good jobs rate decreased slightly by 0.4pps, followed in 2024 by a 3.8pps drop, the largest drop in the series. It should be noted that public sector pay awards were made following the ASHE 2024 reference date and are therefore not included in the 2024 results.
2.2 Local Government Districts (LGD), by place of work
Key findings
- Belfast has the highest proportion of good jobs in Northern Ireland, with nearly three-quarters of all jobs in the city classified as good (73.1%).
- In contrast, the Causeway Coast and Glens area has the lowest proportion of good jobs, with just over half of jobs meeting the criteria (54.4%).
- Mid Ulster and Belfast are the only two councils where the good jobs rate exceeds the Northern Ireland average.
Figure 2: Good jobs rate highest in Belfast
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) by LGD, 2017 and 2024
Chart
Table
| LGD | 2017 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Causeway Coast and Glens | 49.1 | 54.4 |
| Mid and East Antrim | 62.9 | 60.9 |
| Fermanagh and Omagh | 58.5 | 61.4 |
| Newry, Mourne and Down | 56.5 | 61.5 |
| Derry City and Strabane | 59.4 | 62.1 |
| Ards and North Down | 56.0 | 62.6 |
| Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon | 61.7 | 63.7 |
| Lisburn and Castlereagh | 62.8 | 65.8 |
| Antrim and Newtownabbey | 66.9 | 66.4 |
| Mid Ulster | 60.2 | 67.1 |
| Belfast | 69.6 | 73.1 |
| Northern Ireland | 63.4 | 66.7 |
At 73.1%, Belfast boasts the highest good jobs rate in Northern Ireland, and is the largest employer in NI, with 30% of all employee jobs. Causeway Coast and Glens has the lowest rate at 54.4%, which is over 6pps lower than the next lowest area. Over the series, 2017 to 2024, Mid Ulster has experienced the largest increase in good jobs (6.9pps), while Mid and East Antrim and Antrim and Newtownabbey were the only councils to see a decline with decreases of 2.0pps and 0.5pps, respectively.
2.3 Industry
Key findings
- The ‘Transport and Communication’ sector in Northern Ireland boasts the highest share of good jobs in 2024, just over 80% of positions in the industry deemed good.
- On the other hand, the ‘Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing’ sector has the lowest percentage, with fewer than half of the roles meeting this standard (46.5%).
- The ‘Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants’ and ‘Other Services’ sectors also have less than 50% of jobs classified as good.
Figure 3: Good jobs rate highest in the Transport and Communication sector
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) by Industry sector, 2017 and 2024
Chart
Table
| Industry | 2017 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | 44.8 | 46.5 |
| Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants | 36.9 | 46.7 |
| Other Services | 44.6 | 47.5 |
| Public Admin, Education and Health | 73.8 | 67.4 |
| Banking and Finance | 61.9 | 69.6 |
| Construction | 73.1 | 78.8 |
| Manufacturing | 71.5 | 79.9 |
| Energy and Water | 87.9 | 81.7 |
| Transport and Communication | 73.3 | 83.2 |
| Northern Ireland | 63.4 | 66.7 |
The ‘Transport and Communication’ sector has the highest rate of good jobs (83.2%) among the industry sectors mentioned above. Three of the nine industries fall below the Northern Ireland average: ‘Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing’ (46.5%), ‘Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants’ (46.7%), and ‘Other Services’ (47.5%). Additionally, only two sectors saw a decline since 2017: ‘Public Administration, Education, and Health’ (down by 6.4pps) and ‘Energy and Water’ (down by 6.2pps). However, it should be noted that these sectors are largely dominated by public sector employment, and the ASHE survey was conducted before the recent public sector pay increases.
2.4 Age group
Key findings
- Individuals under 30 have the lowest proportion of good jobs.
- Despite this, those under 30 experienced the most significant growth in good jobs.
- People in their 40s have the highest proportion of good jobs, with more than three-quarters employed in such positions.
Figure 4: Good jobs rate highest for employees in their forties
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) by age group, 2017 and 2024
Chart
Table
| Age group | 2017 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 16-21 | 11.0 | 17.0 |
| 22-29 | 46.5 | 59.1 |
| 30-39 | 68.9 | 71.2 |
| 40-49 | 74.4 | 77.7 |
| 50-59 | 73.1 | 74.3 |
| 60+ | 67.4 | 63.1 |
| All | 63.4 | 66.7 |
The most significant increase in good job rates from 2017 occurred among individuals aged 16-29. For those aged 16-21, the rate of good jobs increased from 11.0% in 2017 to 17.0% in 2024, marking a 6pps rise. Similarly, for the 22-29 age group, the rate jumped from 46.5% to 59.1%, an increase of 12.6pps. This highlights a positive shift in job quality for younger workers over the period. The 30-39 and 40-49 age groups saw more moderate but consistent improvements. The good job rate for 30-39 year-olds rose from 68.9% to 71.2%, while for those aged 40-49, it increased from 74.4% to 77.7%. The 60+ age group is the only cohort to experience a decline in the good job rate, falling from 67.4% in 2017 to 63.1% in 2024. This decline may reflect broader trends such as reduced opportunities for older workers in the workforce or a shift in the types of jobs available to this age group.
2.5 Occupation
Key findings
- ‘Managers, directors, and senior officials’ in Northern Ireland hold the highest proportion of good jobs, with more than 90% of these roles classified as good.
- In contrast, ‘Elementary occupations’ have the lowest share of good jobs, with less than one-third of positions meeting this standard.
- ‘Process, plant, and machine operatives’ have seen the most significant growth in the number of good jobs since 2017.
Figure 5: Good jobs rate highest in Managers, directors and senior officials
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) by Occupation, 2017 and 2024
Chart
Table
| Occupation | 2017 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary occupations | 23.9 | 31.7 |
| Caring, leisure & other services | 36.7 | 33.0 |
| Sales & customer service | 26.7 | 38.4 |
| Admin & secretarial occupations | 74.1 | 67.0 |
| Process, plant & machine operatives | 56.2 | 69.7 |
| Skilled trades occupations | 69.7 | 77.2 |
| Associate professionals | 84.0 | 81.9 |
| Professional occupations | 87.2 | 83.4 |
| Managers, directors & senior officials | 87.5 | 91.8 |
| Northern Ireland | 63.4 | 66.7 |
At 91.8%, ‘Managers, directors, and senior officials’ have the highest proportion of good jobs in Northern Ireland. While ‘Professional occupations’, ‘Associate professional and technical occupations’, ‘Caring, leisure & other services’, and ‘Administrative and secretarial occupations’ have seen a decline in good jobs since 2017, these groups tend to have a high percentage of public sector roles, which have faced notable pay constraints during this period. ‘Process, plant, and machine operatives’ experienced the largest increase, rising by 13.5pps since 2017, followed by ‘Sales and customer service occupations’ (up 11.7pps) and ‘Elementary occupations’ (up 7.8pps). These sectors are more likely to be influenced by changes in the National Living Wage.
2.6 Priority Sectors
Key findings
- Almost all jobs in the ‘Financial Services/Fintech’ sector are classified as good (95.4%).
- The ‘Agri-Tech’ sector had the lowest good job rate (74.4%) but was still well above the Northern Ireland average.
- ‘Life and Health Sciences’ have seen the most significant growth in the number of good jobs since 2017.
Figure 6: Good jobs rate highest in the ‘Financial Services/Fintech’ sector
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) by priority sectors, 2017 and 2024
Chart
Table
| Priority sectors | 2017 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Agri-Tech | 78.2 | 74.4 |
| Low Carbon | 78.1 | 81.2 |
| Advanced Manufacturing | 82.0 | 81.7 |
| Software | 90.7 | 87.2 |
| Life and Health Sciences | 83.8 | 88.8 |
| Financial Services/Fintech | 92.6 | 95.4 |
| Priority sectors total | 84.1 | 83.9 |
All reportable sectors within the priority sectors, as outlined by the Department for the Economy (DfE), have a higher rate of good jobs compared to the Northern Ireland average of 66.7%. In 2024, the ‘Financial Services/Fintech’ sector had the highest good job rate at 95.4%, while the ‘Agri-Tech’ sector had the lowest at 74.4%. The ‘Agri-Tech’ sector also experienced the largest decline since 2017, with a drop of 3.8pps. Overall, the priority sectors had a good job rate of 83.9% in 2024, similar to the 2017 rate of 84.1%.
2.7 Work pattern and sex
Key findings
- The rate of good jobs for part-time jobs (37.8%) is less than half that of full-time jobs (78.4%).
- When looking at differences by sex for all jobs, the rate of good jobs for females (60.9%) was 12pps lower than for males (72.9%).
- When broken down by work pattern and gender, part-time males have the lowest rate of good jobs (32.2%).
Figure 7: Good jobs rate highest for full-time males
Good jobs in Northern Ireland (aged 16 to 64) by work pattern and sex, 2017 and 2024
Chart
Table
| Work Pattern | 2017 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Male full-time | 76.1 | 81.0 |
| Male part-time | 22.0 | 32.2 |
| Male | 68.4 | 72.9 |
| Female full-time | 72.4 | 75.1 |
| Female part-time | 40.3 | 39.9 |
| Female | 58.4 | 60.9 |
| Full-time | 74.7 | 78.4 |
| Part-time | 35.7 | 37.8 |
| All Jobs | 63.4 | 66.7 |
When disaggregated by work pattern and gender, part-time males had the lowest good job rate at 32.2% in 2024. However, this group has experienced the largest increase, rising by 10.2pps from 2017 to 2024. The good job rate for full-time workers (78.4%) was more than double that of part-time workers (37.8%). Additionally, the male good job rate (72.9%) is significantly higher than the female rate (60.9%). The female rate is also lower than the Northern Ireland average.
3. Background
ASHE data
The headline tables and detailed outputs from the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, along with historical data, can be found on the NISRA website. Previous publications can also be found online.
Methodology
The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) is a UK wide survey that provides a wide range of information on earnings and hours worked. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out ASHE in Great Britain and it is carried out by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) in NI.
The survey information related to the pay-week (or other pay period if the employee was paid less frequently) which included 17th April 2024, the reference date for the latest survey. The results, therefore, are not necessarily representative of pay over a longer period. They do not take account of subsequent changes in rates of pay which have become effective since April or changes which have been introduced with retrospective effect since the survey returns were completed.
The survey reference date (17th April 2024) was outside the time period for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) grant, therefore 2024 earnings were not affected by furlough. Over the pandemic period, earnings estimates were affected by changes in the composition of the workforce and the impact of the CJRS, making interpretation difficult. In particular, the 2020 and 2021 data are subject to more uncertainty and should be treated with caution.
Coverage and sampling
The sample used for the survey comprised approximately 1% of all employees in NI who were covered by PAYE schemes. Someone who is in more than one PAYE scheme may appear more than once. Information on earnings and hours is obtained in confidence from employers under the authority of The Statistics of Trade and Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 1988. Information collected is treated as strictly confidential and is used only for statistical purposes. The resulting analyses do not show information about identifiable people or private businesses.
Weighting
ASHE data are weighted to UK population totals from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) based on classes defined by region, occupation, age and sex. LFS data for 2021 and 2022 have been impacted by an issue with the occupation coding using SOC20, as set out in the latest update. Given the use of the 1-digit occupation in the weighting process, the ASHE estimates will be subject to further review, but the impact is likely to be minimal based on the initial analysis.
Real Living Wage
The UK Real Living Wage (RLW), which has been in place since 2011, is calculated according to the cost of living, based on a basket of household goods and services. It is higher than the national living wage set by government and is voluntarily paid by employers. The RLW is calculated annually and rates are higher than the National Living Wage (NLW)/National Minimum Wage (NMW) – further information can be accessed at the Living Wage Foundation website.
The Real Living Wage (RLW) is announced in November each year and must be implemented by participating employers by the following May. As such it is likely that the previous year’s living wage was still in place when the survey was completed (i.e. the 2024 ASHE data relates to the pay period including April 2024, at which time the 2024/2025 Real Living Wage of £12.60 may not have been applied). The previous years RLW is therefore used to calculate the percentage earning at least the RLW.
Table 1: UK Real Living Wage
| Year | Real Living Wage |
|---|---|
| 2016/2017 | £8.45 |
| 2017/2018 | £8.75 |
| 2018/2019 | £9.00 |
| 2019/2020 | £9.30 |
| 2020/2021 | £9.50 |
| 2021/2022 | £9.90 |
| 2022/2023 | £10.90 |
| 2023/2024 | £12.00 |
4. Contact
If you require further information about the figures contained in this publication or the accompanying tables, would like to provide feedback on the publication content, or be added to the mailing list please contact:
Email: Patrick.OKane@nisra.gov.uk
Email: Brian.Grogan@nisra.gov.uk
Web: Work Quality
5. Official Statistics in Development
Official statistics in development (previously called Experimental Statistics) are official statistics that are undergoing a development, and may be new or existing official statistics. They are published to involve users and stakeholders in their development and as a means to ensure they will meet user needs going forward. As these statistics are still in development, they are subject to retrospective revision in any future releases. The methodology and quality assurance are still in development and are subject to change.
These official statistics are produced in compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics. Our Statistical Protocols and Compliance webpage provides further details of how we apply the principles and practices of the Code in the production and publication of our official statistics.
The analysis for the Good Jobs in Northern Ireland 2024 has been sourced from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); which are accredited official statistics. This is the first release of the Good Jobs in Northern Ireland measure and whilst they reflect the same standards of trustworthiness, quality and value of all other statistical releases they are still under development.
Feedback on these statistics is particularly welcome from users and will be used to further develop the statistics. Feedback can be provided by email to Labourmarketstatistics@nisra.gov.uk.
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to. You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards. Alternatively, you can contact OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website.