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Statistical press release - Individual incomes series statistics

Thursday, 13 December 2007

Median income for women in NI was 65% that of men in 2005/06.

This is one of the key findings in a report called “Individual Incomes Series, Northern Ireland 2005-06”

Other key facts include:

  • The median total individual income for women was £172 per week, compared to £265 for men.
  • For women, 64% of income was sourced from earnings (employment and self-employment); 24% from benefits; 4% from Non-State Pensions.
  • For men, 79% of income was sourced from earnings (employment and self-employment); 11% from benefits; 6% from Non-State Pensions.
  • Separated women received the highest median female incomes; £251 per week.
  • Married men received the highest median male incomes; £315 per week.
  • Women looking after the family and/or home contributed 11% of total family income.
  • For families with incomes under £300 per week, three-fifths of total family income came from men’s income.
  • The highest median total individual incomes came from those in full-time employment; £333 per week for women and £384 per week for men.
  • 48% of women’s incomes fell into the bottom two quintiles of the income distribution, compared to only 31% of men.

Notes to Editors:

  1. The statistics contained in the publication are derived from the Family Resources Survey in Northern Ireland. This survey collects data on income levels, resources and financial circumstances of individuals and households for the period from April 2005 to March 2006 and was introduced for Northern Ireland in 2002/03.
  2. Other government social surveys, such as the Family Expenditure Survey (FES), also collect this data, but the FRS provides much more detailed information, and brings some topics together on one survey for the first time.
  3. The report is available on the Department for Social Development’s website at: income series reports Hard copies are available from the Statistics & Research Branch (Core), Department for Social Development, Level Four, James House, 2 Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JD; Telephone - (028) 9081 9937; E-mail srb@dsdni.gov.uk
  4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.