Economic hardship is more prevalent in Northern Ireland than the rest of the UK, new research has found.

Scottish-based public policy foundation Carnegie UK’s paper shows that people in the north are less likely than the UK average to be able to afford things like unexpected bills, socialising outside of their home once a month, and a week’s annual holiday away from home.

The survey, which was conducted based on 919 people in the north and more than 7,000 across the UK, also shows that while trust in politicians and political institutions has increased, it remains lower than the UK average.

The Life in the UK Index 2025 was based upon a 26-question online survey focusing on areas of economic, social, democratic and environmental wellbeing.

On economic wellbeing, the survey found that 33% of people in the north report their household could not afford an unexpected but necessary expense of £850, higher than the UK average of 28%.

Almost one in five of people in the north (17%) disagree that their household can afford to socialise with friends/family outside of the home once a month if they want to, compared to 11% UK-wide, according to the survey.

Almost one in three (30%) disagree that their household can afford to pay for a week’s annual holiday away from home, compared to the UK-wide average of 21%.

Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, has urged policymakers to focus on tackling inequalities and systematically improving people’s lives.

“Our research shows that a lot of people in Northern Ireland face lives that are too difficult.

“While the pattern is similar to the rest of the UK we see greater hardship in Northern Ireland, especially among people on lower incomes and among disabled people.

“The restoration of the Executive in 2024 and last year’s General Election seem to have increased trust in politics and government in Northern Ireland, albeit from a low base.

“However, it is a big concern that our Index for Northern Ireland still shows that democratic wellbeing is substantially lower than the UK average.

“All tiers of government that have an influence over public policy in Northern Ireland must work together to improve the lives of local people.”