Business

One in three adults out of work as poverty levels become cause for concern

A total of 370,000 people in the north live in poverty, roughly one in five
A total of 370,000 people in the north live in poverty, roughly one in five A total of 370,000 people in the north live in poverty, roughly one in five

ALMOST one in three adults in the north are out of work, with one in five of the population now living in poverty, a new report has revealed.

Research from the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) shows that Northern Ireland’s employment rate is lagging behind the rest of the UK, as much as 7 per cent lower than in England at times in the past 20 years.

Scotland and Wales have closed the gap on England considerably, but the north has fallen behind both countries - suggesting that the employment rate continues to be a major factor affecting poverty levels. The north is also further hamstrung by the fact that one in six adults have no qualifications (16 per cent) compared to less than one in ten in the rest of the UK.

A total of 370,000 people in the north live in poverty, roughly one in five. That figure is made up 110,000 children as well as 220,000 working-age adults and 40,000 pensioners. The JRF research paints a bleak picture suggesting that little progress has been made in reducing poverty in the past decade, with too many people locked out of the opportunity to secure a decent standard of living.

While poverty among pensioners has fallen considerably over the last decade, families with children have seen steady or falling poverty rates. Working-age adults without children are now also at a higher risk of poverty than 10 years ago.

In order to tackle the alarming rates of poverty in the north JRF believes raising the employment rate could lead to significant falls in the rate and has called on the devolved and Westminster governments and businesses to work together to deliver an industrial strategy that creates more and better jobs.

Chief executive of JRF, Campbell Robb believes this must be implemented sooner rather than later.

"With one in three working-age adults out of work, it’s crucial we make progress now," he said.

Gillian McKee, deputy managing director with Business in the Community added: “Business has a vested interest and a responsibility to help reduce poverty in Northern Ireland. Given that businesses need a skilled and educated labour force and customers to buy their products and services, as well as a strong and healthy society in which to operate, we would urge them to work alongside government in tackling poverty and providing good work for all.”