The Economic and Social Research Council report on productivity levels in NI highlights strong economic growth, falling unemployment and growth in jobs over the last few years but continuing concerns about the low rate of productivity here, in comparison to other parts of the UK and competitor nations. With output per head (or Gross Value Added) at only 81% of the UK average, the report labels N Ireland as one of the least prosperous areas in the home nations.
Closing the productivity and economic activity gap is a key aim of the Assembly and the report cranks up the debate, by examining the sectors where the problems are most entrenched. The authors do recognise however the steady growth in productivity here since 2003 – but there is still some way to go.
The areas of the economy where the problem of low productivity is most apparent are listed – including agriculture, construction, distribution and a large part of the service sector.
Lack of innovation and global trading are a couple of the underlying problems. And itcites lack of data as a barrier to a clearer picture of the issues.
At less than 20 pages it makes an interesting read. Report at
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Images/ESRC-PP_Prod_NI_tcm6-26653.pdf
For more updates on latest Policy developments see the Latest Policy Newsletter Issue No. 41 by following the link below
http://thetlc.org.uk/documents/822
LSDA Northern Ireland Comments(0)
Posted 8 Jul 2008
