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  • Statistics and economic research

    This page contains statistics, research and analysis about the local economy and the development of skills.

    Our statistics publication schedule provides the dates for upcoming publications.

    Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR).

    contents

    Higher and Further Education and training statistics

    Official statistics on Higher and further education and training

    • Publications schedule, statements and consultations
    • Participation rates
    • Longitudinal Education Outcomes for Northern Ireland - a data linkage initiative

    NISRA Economic and Labour Market Statistics (ELMS)

    Economic and labour market statistics are available on the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) website.

    Tourism statistics

    Statistics for the tourism industry in Northern Ireland are hosted on the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) website.

    Briefing and research

    Briefing and research

    • Economic briefing
    • Economic research

    Appraisal and evaluation

    • Business cases
    • Evaluation

    Good Jobs statistics and research

    Official statistics and research commissioned on Good Jobs.

    Research Digests

    Research plays a key part in informing evidence-based policy making within the department. The department regularly engages with other research providers and monitors relevant reports and publications which can inform economic policy development.

    Skills and Employment

    This page presents research which covers a wide range of issues around both the demand for and supply of skills in Northern Ireland. In addition to work carried out by the department, it includes results from the Skills Barometer, the Employer Skills Survey, information on Good Jobs, analysis of work quality indicators, reviews undertaken by the OECD and wider economic research.

    Monthly online job posting factsheets

    Factsheets have been produced that detail monthly online job posting trends across Northern Ireland. It includes an assessment of selected sectors as well as skills in demand.

    de minimis aid

    As small amounts of aid are unlikely to distort competition, a useful approved EU mechanism for State aid is the industrial de minimis regulation which allows small amounts of aid, that is, less than €300,000 over a 3 year period, to a single undertaking for a wide range of purposes.

    Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland at HEIs Statistical Fact Sheets

    Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) in Higher Education statistical bulletins cover analysis of HLA programmes level 6 and 7 delivered in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in NI. Delivery of HLAs began in NI HEIs in 2018/19. The bulletins cover analysis of starts (new entrants), participants and numbers who qualified.

    Departmental written assembly questions statistics

    In March 2020 the NI Executive agreed updated Guidance for Ministers in the Exercise of their Official Responsibilities:

    Research Bulletins

    Research Bulletins are short analytical articles on topical economic and labour market issues. They help to build understanding of current trends and raise awareness of research and analysis carried out.

    Circular economy – developing the evidence base

    This page outlines the research and analysis shaping the development of the Circular Economy Strategy and guiding the transition to a more circular economy. It includes published work as well as current and planned projects.

    Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation Statistics

    Statistics and publications on Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland are published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency statisticians within the Department for the Economy's (DfE) Analytical Services Unit (ASU).

    Energy statistics

    Northern Ireland energy statistics published by NISRA statisticians within the Department for the Economy's Analytical Services Division.

    • Energy-related analysis
    • Energy in Northern Ireland
    • Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation Statistics

    Essential Skills statistics and research

    Essential Skills statistics and research

    • Essential Skills Enrolments and Outcomes
    • New rounding and suppression approach (further education and essential skills)
    • Previous Essential Skills Publications

    Services of General Economic Interest

    Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI) are services the state wants to provide for the general public which are not adequately supplied by market forces alone.

    Tourism statistics user engagement

    Minutes and details of user consultations and tourism consultations can be found below.

    Related to Statistics and economic research

    Most recent publications

    • Online job posting trends 2026

      Published 11 February 2026
    • Q4 2025 Research Digests

      Published 11 February 2026
    See all publications in this topic

    Most recent news items

    • Northern Ireland Business Demography Statistics 2024

      Published 3 February 2026
    • ApprenticeshipsNI and Higher Level Apprenticeships in Further Education: Academic year 2024/25

      Published 30 January 2026
    See all news in this topic

    Access to information

    How to request information from the Department for the Economy including Freedom of Information (FOI) and the use of our Publication Scheme.

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