More than half of Scotland’s poor ‘in employment’

MORE than half of those in Scotland living in poverty are people in employment, new findings on low pay and inequality showed.

More than half of Scots living in poverty are in employment, according to a new report. Picture: Getty

The Scottish Government report also found that more than half of children in poverty in Scotland are also growing up in households where at least one person is in work.

The findings led to calls from Scotland’s cabinet secretary for fair work Roseanna Cunningham for the extension of the living wage - a voluntary rate of £7.85 - to reduce “in-work poverty”.

Ms Cunningham said: “It cannot be right that the majority of working age adults in poverty in Scotland are in ‘in-work’ poverty.

“Well-rewarded and sustained employment is the best route out of poverty, for those who are able to work, and one of the best ways to tackle inequality.

“This is why we are prioritising the promotion of the living wage and working closely with the Poverty Alliance to encourage more employers to sign up to the Living Wage accreditation scheme.

“Business productivity goes hand in hand with fair and equal pay. We must all be fully committed to fair work.”

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