The Scottish Trades Union Congress has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Parliament Local Government and Communities Committee Report on Child Poverty in Scotland.
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said "We welcome the significant progress that has been made in lifting half a million children out of poverty in the UK since 1999. This report highlights this progress but is also a wake-up call to both Scottish and UK Governments that renewed investment, commitment and cooperation is essential if the 2010 target for eliminating poverty is to be met. Any steps taken to meet this target must incorporate sustainability to ensure that children do not return to poverty.
"Women are more likely to be poor at sometime in their life than men in the UK. Children in poverty are more likely to be part of a family with a ‘female head of household’. Strategies that support women in the workplace, or into decent, long term quality work, to earn a living wage and retain skills are essential. Consequently, we welcome the Committee prioritising support for parents to get into, and remain in, decently paid work.
"The STUC will ensure that the topics of low pay, supporting people to stay in work and investing in childcare stay at the top of the political agenda and we look forward to the publication of the Scottish Government’s forthcoming analysis into what the public sector can do to tackle low pay."