Statistical Press Release - Labour Force Survey 2007 Religion report update
Friday, 27 March 2009The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) today published figures relating to religion analysis of the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The Labour Force Survey is a sample survey conducted in all member states of the European Union.
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) had previously produced annual statistical reports on the labour market characteristics of those identifying themselves as either Roman Catholic or Protestant in the survey. Previous reports can be accessed at 
www.nisra.gov.uk
Labour force religion figures for 2007 are placed in the context of those from 1992 onwards. Religious denomination refers to only those in the survey who identified themselves as either Roman Catholic or Protestant.
Demographic Characteristics:
In 2007 the religious composition of the population of working age over in the LFS was found to be 52% Protestant and 48% Roman Catholic.
Between 1992 and 2007, the composition of the population in the LFS has reflected a gradual rise amongst Roman Catholics and a corresponding fall for Protestants.
Economic Activity:
The economically active includes those in employment and those unemployed who were looking for work and available for work.
In 2007, Roman Catholics comprised 46% of the economically active of working age and Protestants 54%.
The economic activity rates of those of working age in 2007 remained higher for Protestants (75%) than for Roman Catholics (71%).
Economic Inactivity:
The economically inactive excludes those in employment and those unemployed looking for work and available to start work.
In 2007 the composition of those or working age who were economically inactive was 48% Protestant and 52% Roman Catholic.
Employment:
In 2007, 45% of those in employment aged 16 and over were Roman Catholic compared to 55% Protestant.
The proportions of working age Protestants in employment over the period 1992 to 2007 were higher than those of Roman Catholics, although the proportion of working age Roman Catholics in employment has risen from 54% in 1992 to 67% in 2007. The proportion of working age Protestants in employment in 2007 was 73%.
Unemployment:
The unemployment rates of both Protestants and Roman Catholics have fallen over the period 1992 to 2007. In 2007, the unemployment rate of Roman Catholics was 5% compared to 3% for Protestants.
In 2007, 59% of those unemployed were Roman Catholic, compared to 41% Protestant.
In 2007, the unemployment differential between Roman Catholics and Protestants expressed as a ratio of unemployment rates was 1.7, that is, the unemployment rate of Roman Catholics was 1.7 times that of Protestants.
In 2007, the unemployment gap between Roman Catholics and Protestants expressed as the absolute difference between the two unemployment rates was 2% compared to a high of 9% in 1992.
The religion report can be downloaded on the OFMDFM website
Notes to Editors:
1. Further information relating to the collection and production of the statistics can be obtained by contacting:
OFMDFM Equality Directorate Research Branch Block A Castle Buildings Stormont Estate Belfast BT4 3SGTel: (028) 905 23244
Fax: (028) 905 28273
E-mail: Michael.Woods@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
2. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8204. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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