Young people in Northern Ireland are being worst hit by the recession, according to research unveiled by the Equality Commission.
Its report, Employment Inequalities in an Economic Downturn, found young men in particular were suffering from the jobs squeeze.
The commission said people aged from 18 to 24 were being hit more heavily than any other age group as a result of the economic downturn.
The commission’s chief executive Evelyn Collins said: “Fully understanding the impact of the recession on people in Northern Ireland to date is absolutely vital.
“Decision makers faced with greatly reduced budgets will have tough choices to make.
“The data in this research can inform their thinking on the impact of the recession and strategies for dealing with it.
“The doubling of unemployment rates for young men may have profound implications for the shaping of our future society, especially where there is a risk of damage to future careers and a possibility of long-term unemployment.”
The rate of unemployment among 18-24 year olds doubled in 2006 to 2009, from 9.9 per cent to 20.4 per cent.
The figure is almost three times the overall unemployment rate and four times the rate for older workers. It is also above the UK average youth unemployment rate of 18.0 per cent.
In Northern Ireland, the data illustrated that men have been disproportionately affected by the recession, especially those in the younger age groups.
Overall male unemployment has increased from 3.8 per cent to 6.4 per cent, but for 18-24 year old men this rate has doubled from 8.7 per cent to 19 per cent.
Ms Collins added: “The literature indicates that this might be a ‘male recession’ but we know that its effects are still unfolding.
“The research findings provide some pointers to areas where there may be a risk of more negative impacts, especially for women, lone parents and disabled people, as the downturn increasingly affects public sector employment and voluntary and community organisations.” The commission said there has been a decline in employment and a rise in unemployment for both the Catholic and Protestant communities, although the increase in unemployment for the Catholic community has been slightly greater.
The unemployment rate for the Catholic community rose by 1.8, compared to 0.8 per cent for the Protestant community. This may be partly accounted for by the age differences in the two communities.
The commission said the Catholic community has a younger age structure and is more likely to be affected by increases in youth unemployment.
Meanwhile, the available data has also indicated a very slight decline in the employment rate of disabled people in Northern Ireland from 29.4 per cent to 29.3 per cent, however interview evidence as part of the commission’s research indicated a decline in opportunities for work placements for people with disabilities due to the recession and an increasing feeling of insecurity for those in work.
Ms Collins added: “We are committed to working with Government departments, and with public and private employers to help ensure that the most vulnerable groups are not disproportionately hit by this recession. We need to make sure they are not left behind to a lifetime without work or full involvement in society.”
The Equality Commission has run a series of training events for government departments on their responsibilities on equality and good relations. The commission also works with employers, public and private, to help them comply with all aspects of equality law.
PA