The latest labour market statistics bulletin, released today, shows that economic social inactivity in Northern Ireland remains stubbornly high at 26.6% of people aged 16-64. Northern Ireland continues to be the worst in the UK, where the average is 20.9%.
Reflecting on the data, the Labour Relations Agency for Northern Ireland highlighted the need to attract people back into the workplace, particularly through good practices such as flexible working.
LRA Director of Employment Relations Services, Mark McAllister, commented:
“Economic inactivity is a central feature of the report and one which needs to be addressed. Through our working relationships with bodies such as Employers for Childcare and Melted Parents, the LRA is highlighting the importance of flexible working as a means of helping those who are currently economically inactive back into the workplace.
“In the absence of legislation or childcare strategies many employers are now bringing in more generous and widespread flexible working initiatives as a method of both recruiting and retaining staff.
“However, these flexibilities need to go beyond simply returning on a part-time basis. Employers need to consider the cost of childcare and how hybrid working and other creative and flexible approaches can transform the ‘how’ and ‘where’ of work.”
Guidance on hybrid and other forms of flexible working are available on the Labour Relations Agency’s website, www.lra.org.uk.