Record number of Scots children in working households

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) statistics on Working and Workless Households 2004 to 2014 show that 56.7 per cent of people live in working households in Scotland (October to December 2014). The proportion of people living in working households in the rest UK was 52.9 per cent in the same period.

The figures also show that the proportion of children living in working households in 2014 is 62.5 per cent which is the highest on record.

Cabinet secretary for fair work, skills and training, Rosanna Cunningham, said: “It is good news that there are more people living in working households in Scotland as we all know that well-rewarded and sustained employment is the best route out of poverty and one of the best ways to tackle inequality.

“This is especially important for children as living in a home where someone is in work which can have a profound and lasting impact on children’s future outcomes.

“However, for all those who are able to work, we must be sure that work pays well which 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 for all those working in Scotland today.”