Many analysts agree that the most challenging issue facing the labour market is the quality rather than the quantity of employment.
The evidence presented in this Research InBrief however suggests that these headline figures have been masking a more worrying story about the changing nature and quality of employment in Northern Ireland. Specifically, this Research InBrief shows that insecure employment and low pay present particular challenges to improving the quality of jobs and providing decent work for all.
Given the considerable body of evidence demonstrating the negative effect poor quality employment has for individual workers, their families, businesses, and the overall economy it is imperative that improving the quality of jobs in Northern Ireland should be to the forefront of the work of policy makers.