Service sector drives Northern Ireland employment growth

Date published: 28 October 2025

New accredited official statistics published indicate that the total number of employees in Northern Ireland, including Agriculture, in September 2023 was 816,562, an increase of 10,714 jobs (1.3%) since September 2022.

Key findings:

• The increase in employee jobs was driven by growth in the Service industry, which rose by 9,173 jobs (1.4%). There was further job growth in Manufacturing (1,344 jobs or 1.5%), whilst those in “Other” industries, including Agriculture, saw a rise of 1,100 jobs (4.6%).
• The Construction industry decreased by 903 jobs (-2.4%) over the year to September 2023.
• Full-time employment grew more strongly than part-time, with full-time jobs increasing by 9,089 (1.7%) compared to part-time jobs rising by 1,625 (0.6%). Part-time jobs accounted for 33.8% of all employee jobs.
• Of the 11 District Council Areas in Northern Ireland, only Antrim and Newtownabbey (-1,172) and Derry City and Strabane (-701) saw a decline in the number of employee jobs over the year to September 2023. Belfast (6,615) saw the largest absolute increase in jobs whilst Mid and East Antrim (3.8% or 1,656 jobs) saw the largest percentage increase.
• The number of jobs occupied by females increased by 1.6% (6,787 jobs) whilst male jobs grew by 1.0% (3,924). In September 2023, 51.5% of employee jobs were occupied by females.
• The number of jobs in the private and public sectors increased by 1.6% (9,240 jobs) and 0.7% (1,474) respectively.

About this publication:

This annual publication provides summary statistical information from the Northern Ireland Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) 2023. 

Detail is provided on the total number of employees in Northern Ireland, employment industry, employment sector (public/private), employment by District Council Areas as well as employment by gender.

Further information: 

View the full report and data tables: BRES Publication and Tables 2023