New research into low-paid work underlines importance of Economy Minister’s Good Jobs Bill

Date published: 1 October 2026

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, examines low pay alongside wider aspects of job quality, including working hours, employment security, training, workplace relationships, autonomy and financial wellbeing. 

Key messages emerging from the research include:

• Low weekly earnings remain widespread;
• Working hours are a key driver of low pay;
• Certain groups face a higher risk of low pay; and 
• Low pay is concentrated in specific sectors and locations.

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.”