NI wages increase faster than UK

Published: 14th March 2012

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) today released figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings showing that Northern Ireland’s full-time weekly earnings has risen at a quicker rate than those in the UK.

The survey revealed that the private sector earnings for full-time workers increased by 3.5% over the year compared to 0.8% in the UK. The figures, which cover the year to April 2011, showed the gross average salary in Northern Ireland is £18,720. With the average for part-time employees being £7,883, while full-time is £23,431.

The increase results in a narrowing of the NI/UK private sector pay gap to 82.8% at April 2011. Commenting on the figures Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said, “Whilst these figures are to be welcomed, it is recognised that in order to promote economic recovery, the private sector requires more highly paid jobs.”

“The draft Programme for Government highlights the Executive’s intention to deliver the right support to enable the private sector to experience high value-added growth. It also contains commitments to supporting the formation of 25,000 new jobs, attracting more foreign investment, as well as supporting R&D to help our entrepreneurs innovate.”

23/11/2011