Labour Market
Employment rate, 2004-2008
This graph shows the percentage of the working-age population in employment between 2004 and 2008.
The employment rate suggests that there has been a degree of economic convergence between the four countries of the UK (i.e. reaching a similar level), in large part due to Northern Ireland’s strong performance throughout the 2000s.
Employment rates in England and Wales have been relatively stable over the last five years, averaging just under 75% in England and 72% in Wales.
Scotland's employment rate rose significantly after 2006, when it stood at 74.7%, increasing in 2007 to 77% and only dropping slightly in 2008 to 76.5%
Northern Ireland saw its employment rate improve the most between 2004 and 2008, rising from 66.7% to 70.1%
However due to the economic downturn, all countries have been experiencing decreases in employment rates since.
Source: Regional Trends, 2009: Table 9.1
Unemployment rate, 1991-2008
This graph shows the percentage of the working-age population who were unemployed between 1991 and 2008.
The unemployment rate dropped significantly during this period, as good economic conditions pushed the unemployment rate under 4% from 2005 to 2008.
A major fall in unemployment rates was witnessed in Northern Ireland in particular, from 12.6% in 1991 to 2.8% in 2008.
The economic downturn has, however, resulted in increased unemployment rates across the UK since 2008.
Source: UK Housing Review, 2008: 79