Background to the Research

• Recent research in Northern Ireland has found that there are large numbers of jobless people who would like to work but who, for a variety of reasons, do not appear in official unemployment figures. Such people have been referred to as the 'hidden unemployed' or part of the 'hidden labour reserves'. In Northern Ireland they comprise mostly the long-term sick, women who are not eligible to claim unemployment-related benefits, and those on government schemes. The problem is greater for women than for men, mostly because of the large numbers of jobless women who are not eligible to claim unemployment-related benefits, thereby not appearing on the official claimant unemployment register.
  
  
• This report investigates the characteristics of hidden unemployed women and men in Northern Ireland, focusing on (a) demographic characteristics (b) attachment to the formal labour market and (c) educational qualifications. The report aims to shed light on how they can be integrated most effectively back into education, training and employment.

Research Approach

• Secondary data analysis of the Northern Ireland Labour Force Survey.

Main Findings

Diversity of the Hidden Unemployed

• The research found that the hidden unemployed are a diverse group, with a wide range of previous labour experiences and background characteristics. There are significant differences, both between the different groups of the hidden unemployed, and within the groups.

• The design of policies aimed at reintegrating them back into the labour market ought to take account of this diversity as no single approach is likely to work effectively.

Eligibility for Government Programmes

• Many programmes aimed at reducing long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland target those who are officially registered as unemployed. This is particularly the case with the New Deal for the long-term unemployed, eligibility for which is currently restricted to Jobseekers Allowance claimants.

• The research suggests that the eligibility criteria ought to be broadened to include other long-term unemployed who do not appear in official unemployment statistics in order to avoid discriminating against the hidden unemployed in the implementation of New deal.

The Design of Government Programmes

• Many of the hidden unemployed have been out of the formal labour market for long periods of time. Therefore, they are likely to be unfamiliar with some of the basic features of labour market participation, such as job search techniques and basic employment practices. In this sense, their characteristics are similar to those of the long-term unemployed. However, even those officially registered as long-term unemployed are actively involved in job search and, as such, have some formal links with the labour market.

• The relevant government agencies should ensure that structured training, based around the specific needs of the hidden unemployed, is an integral part of employment creation measures in areas of high hidden unemployment.

The Importance of Childcare Provision

• Many hidden unemployed women have greater family commitments, in terms of looking after dependent children, than their employed or unemployed counterparts. The provision of affordable childcare facilities is a prerequisite, therefore, if they are to be effectively reintegrated into the labour market.