News

Child poverty hits 4.2 million amid coronavirus impact fear

Pastoral issues Pupil wellbeing
Levels of child poverty in the UK have risen once again, as has the proportion of these children who are living in working families. It comes amid fears that the coronavirus crisis will hit these families and their children the hardest, while also pushing many more into poverty.

The latest household income statistics (for 2018/19) show that 4.2 million children (around 30 per cent of all UK children) now live below the poverty line, with 72 per cent of these in working families (DWP, 2020).

These are children living in families that earn below 60 per cent of the UK median income after housing costs.

For 2018/19, the UK’s median household income before housing costs is £514 a week (around £26,800 a year) – 60 per cent of which is £308.

The child poverty figures are up from 4.1 million in 2017/18, of which 70 per cent were in working families. By comparison, in 2010/11, there were 3.6 million children living in poverty, with 58 per cent of these in working families.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting Headteacher Update and reading some of our content for professionals in primary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcasts

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here