AQW 49877/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 29/06/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any actions her Department is taking to support progression and wage growth among low income workers, in recognition that increases in earnings are a key factor in enabling families to move out of poverty.

Answer:

My Department recognises the importance of inwork progression in supporting a more productive and inclusive economy. It is important to note that progression within employment and wage growth is shaped significantly by employer practices, business need and wider labour market conditions.

A range of programmes, including Skills Focus, Assured Skills, ApprenticeshipsNI and Higher Level Apprenticeships, are designed to support individuals to upskill and progress within employment into highervalue roles.