UNICEF UK reacts to new report on child poverty
The National Children’s Bureau has published a new report showing the number of children living in poverty in the UK has gone up from 2 million in 1973 to 3.5 million today.
The study finds these children are less likely to reach a good level of development by the age of 4, achieve well at school at age 11, or get good grades in their GCSEs. The charity is calling for urgent action to address the poverty and disadvantage children face.
David Bull, Executive Director of UNICEF UK says:
“The UK has one of the highest rates of working families living in poverty in the European Union. Latest statistics show two thirds of children in poverty have at least one parent who works, but whose income is insufficient to lift the family out of need.
As austerity measures bite, the Government must put children first. No child should lose the chance to fulfil their potential because of poverty and low pay in one of the world’s richest countries.”
