According to a new report by the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland, the proportion of Catholic and Protestant employees in the region is nearly equal. The Commission’s 2021 report on Northern Ireland’s workforce found that 43.5% of workers were Protestant, 43.4% were Catholic, and 13.1% were “non-determined.”
The Chief of the Commission, Geraldine McGahey, believes that the Fair Employment Act, which was enacted 32 years ago, is responsible for the shift in Northern Ireland’s workforce composition. This law prohibits discrimination based on religious belief, and McGahey believes it played a crucial role in paving the way for the Good Friday Agreement.
In addition, the report found that the number of Catholics and “non-determined” individuals in the workforce has increased since last year’s report was published. 52.4% of the monitored workforce consisted of females, and for the thirteenth year in a row, the proportion of Catholic applicants exceeded that of Protestant applicants.
McGahey believes that changes in Northern Ireland’s social structure necessitate immediate reform of equitable employment legislation. “Any new legislation should build on the successful and distinct equitable employment provisions. She stated that it is an opportunity to enhance and reinforce the policies that have effectively reduced workplace segregation, promoted inclusivity, and encouraged diversity.
According to a report published by the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland, the proportion of Catholic and Protestant employees in the region is nearly equal. According to the report, 43.5% of the workforce was Protestant, 43.4% was Catholic, and 13.1% was “undetermined.” The Chief of the Commission, Geraldine McGahey, attributes this equilibrium to the Fair Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of religious belief and was enacted 32 years ago.
In addition, it was reported that the monitored workforce consisted of 52.4% women and that Catholic applicants continued to outnumber Protestant applicants for the thirteenth year in a row. Due to the changing social dynamics in Northern Ireland, McGahey believes that reform of equitable employment legislation is now necessary. She has called for new legislation to strengthen and improve existing laws, which she believes have made workplaces more inclusive and tolerant of diversity.
