1 in 7 children (550,000) with a parent working in the public sector will be living in poverty by the end of this financial year, according to new TUC analysis published today (Thursday).
The research shows that since 2010 an extra 150,000 children have been pushed below the breadline as a result of the government’s public sector pay restrictions and in-work benefit cuts.
The analysis shows:
Separate TUC analysis shows that holding down public servants’ pay reduced spending power by £8.5bn in England alone last year.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“The government's pay restrictions and in-work benefit cuts are causing needless hardship.
“Public servants shouldn’t have to worry about feeding or clothing their kids. But many are struggling to afford even the basics.
“Ministers must give public sector workers the pay rise they have earned. If they don't more families will fall into poverty.”
ENDS
Number of UK children living in poverty with public sector parent
Household type |
Number of children in poverty under 2010 system |
Number of children in poverty by 2018 under government policies |
Extra children in poverty by 2018 (000s) |
Extra children in poverty by 2018 (%) |
Public sector workers only |
217,512 |
321,262 |
103,750 |
48% |
Public and private sector workers |
180,771 |
236,233 |
55,462 |
31% |
TOTAL |
398,283 |
557,495 |
159,212 |
40% |
Increase in number of children living in poverty with public sector parent since 2010 (nation/region)
Region |
Number of children in poverty under 2010 system |
Number of children in poverty by 2018 under government policies |
Extra children in poverty by 2018 (000s) |
Extra children in poverty by 2018 (%) |
North East |
13,025 |
17,792 |
4,767 |
37% |
North West |
34,289 |
51,785 |
17,496 |
51% |
East Midlands |
27,845 |
41,884 |
14,039 |
50% |
West Midlands |
29,354 |
45,297 |
15,943 |
54% |
East of England |
38,362 |
49,712 |
11,350 |
30% |
London |
82,660 |
100,350 |
17,690 |
21% |
South East |
48,342 |
63,437 |
15,095 |
31% |
South West |
27,749 |
42,951 |
15,202 |
55% |
Yorkshire |
34,965 |
49,415 |
14,450 |
41% |
England |
336,591 |
462,623 |
126,032 |
37% |
Scotland |
26,654 |
42,582 |
15,928 |
60% |
Wales |
21,341 |
31,231 |
9,890 |
46% |
Northern Ireland |
13,697 |
21,059 |
7,362 |
53% |
Weekly cash loss from public sector pay restrictions and benefit cuts
Household type |
Weekly loss (£) |
Public sector workers only |
-£83.03 |
Public and private sector workers |
-£53.26 |
– The public sector pay analysis is modelled on real wages falling by 13.3% between 2010 and 2018 for workers in health and education. And by 14.3% for workers in public administration.
– The analysis includes all tax and social security measures introduced under the 2010-15 coalition government and subsequent conservative governments, including Universal Credit.
– An individual is considered to be in relative poverty if their household income is less than 60% of median income.
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