Dr. Ciara Fitzpatrick:

Unemployment is low but economic inactivity, where people are not in work or are not looking for work, is historically high. Between 25% and 26% of people are not in work or are not looking for work and that is more than five percentage points above the rest of the UK. The main reason relates to sickness and ill health but also to family and caring commitments women have at home. Of course, there is no childcare strategy or investment in the childcare system in the North. While the unemployment figures are low, the economic activity figures are substantial. They are significant and should not be overlooked.