Tens of thousands of youngsters from working families are living below the breadline in Scotland.
Their plight was revealed yesterday as the Scottish Government unveiled a strategy to tackle child poverty.
More than half (52%) of the 80,000 children living in relative poverty – where household income is less than 60% of the average – are from homes were at least one adult is working.
For a couple with two children that means living on less than £20,500 a year.
The new strategy proposes a series of actions, include maximising household resources by providing advice on welfare and benefit changes, and help to find work and manage debt.
It also aims to improve children’s life chances through action on education, health and early-years development, as well as improving the areas where they live.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We know that work can reduce the risk of poverty, but work is not always enough on its own.”
Mark Ballard, of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We are pleased the aspiration to have a Scotland where no child is disadvantaged by poverty remains central to the strategy.”
