Action for Children response to ONS data on children in workless households

In response to new ONS data showing the number of children in workless households rising in the North West, North East and West Midlands, Imran Hussain, director of policy and campaigns at Action for Children, said: 

“Although the number of children in workless families overall has started to fall in recent years, it’s rising in many areas of the country the government has committed to level up.

“With one of the bleakest winters of their lives looming, we see families every day who are struggling to keep their kids clothed and well-fed. Workless families will need even more help to move into work as we face the tough months ahead. But we must also help children in working families who are also desperately struggling -  where nearly three quarters of poor children live.

 “To prevent a generation of children from being scarred by poverty and the pandemic, the government must act to put a protective shield around children whether their families are working or not. If it stands any chance of levelling up society, it must ensure next month’s spending round makes clear Universal Credit will not be cut by £20 a week in the Spring.”