Research on education, occupational class and unemployment
The Department for Employment and Learning has published a research report entitled Education, Occupational Class and Unemployment in the Regions of the United Kingdom.
The report, which is part of the Research Agenda 2004 – 2007, estimates the returns to education on data from the 2001 UK Census for the different regions of the UK.
The main finding is that in every region of the UK, better qualifications were significantly and strongly associated with higher probabilities of labour market success.
The principal benefit of this research is that it further strengthens the evidence base underpinning continued investment in education and skills development.
The Northern Ireland Economic Vision and the Department’s Skills Strategy reinforce commitment to an economic future for Northern Ireland which is underpinned by higher value-added jobs, enhancements to productivity and competitiveness, together with increased skill levels and improved participation in education and training.
This research adds to Labour Market information currently being gathered by Sector Skills Councils on a sector by sector basis. Each of these emerging sources of information will inform the work of the Skills Expert Group which has been established to advise government on the process of identifying skills needs and to make recommendations on the steps required to meet those needs.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The report is available to download from the Department’s website at:
http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/statistics-and-research/stats-research/research.htm
2. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7790.