Northern Ireland workers see pay outstrip inflation for a third year running, but public sector staff still earn more

Since 2019, cash earnings in Northern Ireland have soared 41.1%, yet real earnings rose just 7.1% once inflation took its bite, Nisra figures show. Real weekly pay climbed 3.1% this year, beating the UK's 2.8%. Typical full-time workers took home £38,200, still £2,700 below the UK median of £40,900. Private sector real pay jumped 3.7%, nearly double the public sector's 1.9%.

Public sector staff pocket £840 a week against £708 in the private sector.

Belfast workers earn £813 weekly, while Causeway Coast and Glens trails on £641.

Northern Ireland's gender pay gap fell to 7.1%, far below the UK's 12.3%.