Work quality

Work quality statistics released to date contain a number of indicators primarily sourced from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), alongside an earnings indicator sourced from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Latest results

The latest work quality statistics were released on 27th February 2024, and contained analysis of eleven work quality indicators; earnings, secure employment, under/overemployment, job satisfaction, meaningful work, career progression, employee involvement in decision-making, bullying/harassnent, under/over skilled, line manager support, and flexible working.  

Additional tables containing age, sex, deprivaton quintile (most and least deprived), and skill level breakdowns were also included in the accompanying tables.

Key Points:

  • In 2023, three new indicators were introduced focusing on bullying and harassment, line manager support, and skill level.
  • Most indicators showed a significant increase from 2020, with only small increases in job satisfaction and meaningful work.
  • Job security has consistently been the most attainable indicator, while flexible working has generally been the least achievable.
  • Males report significantly higher proportions in six out of the eleven indicators, however, the largest difference between male and female employees was in flexible working (15pps), with considerably more female employees reporting flexible work than male employees.
  • A significantly higher proportion of employees aged 18 to 39 reported good opportunities for career progression in comparison to those aged 40 and over.
  • Employees in the least deprived areas generally reported higher proportions in most indicators, especially in earning at least the real living wage.

Latest publications

Previous publications and tables

Work plan

Background information

User requested data

Labour market statistics are published regularly throughout the year. We also produce bespoke tables if users request data that are not already available.

A list of published bespoke tables is available from the User requested data page

Information on user events and consultations is available on the Labour Market Statistics User Engagement page.

ELMS publication schedule

Upcoming publication dates from the Economic and Labour Market Statistics Branch, including all Work Quality publications can be found via the publication schedule page

Selected for the Labour Force Survey

If you have been selected to take part in the Labour Force Survey please provide us with a telephone number so that we can reach you.

Due to current government advice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) we are unable to send an interviewer in person to your address to carry out this study. We can carry out the study over the telephone instead.

Please access the link below which contains more information and the secure link to enter your contact details and we will telephone you.

Provide contact details to participate

Mailing list

If you would like to be added to a mailing list and receive the latest publications on the day they publish please email: economicstats@nisra.gov.uk with the title of the publications you would like to receive.


Most recent documents


Contacts for Work quality

Work Quality

Holly McAteer
Telephone: 028 9025 5176
Email: lfs@finance-ni.gov.uk
Twitter: @NISRA