Pay parents more to tackle child poverty

Employers must do more to tackle child poverty by providing better quality jobs and pay for parents living on low incomes, a campaign group said today.

The Child Poverty Action Group called for employers to put a greater focus on sustaining people in work and improving access to jobs.

Kate Green, CPAG’s chief executive said: “Both the main political parties have committed to ending child poverty by 2020, but we need employers to face up to their responsibilities to provide good quality well-paid jobs too.

“City workers will take over £8 billion on bonuses this year – double what is needed to put us back on track to meet child poverty targets. All employees should share in the success of British business.”

The CPAG gave evidence today to a work and pensions select committee inquiry into how to achieve an 80 per cent employment rate.