​Figures show Living Wage rate is tackling in-work poverty successfully

Over 70% of those leaving in-work poverty did so following an increase in their hourly pay, new figures show.

A report from the Office of National Statistics, Poverty and Employment Transitions in the UK and EU, 2007-2012, provides analysis on people in income poverty and the effect that moving from unemployment to employment has on their poverty status.

The Poverty Alliance, which runs the Scottish Living Wage Campaign and Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative, said the findings prove the importance of the living wage in tackling in-work poverty.

Perter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “These statistics prove that paying a liiving wage can help to lift people out of in-work poverty.

“It is clear that the minimum wage is not enough.

“More employers in Scotland are recognising their responsibility and paying the living wage. It is time for others to follow their lead in tackling in-work poverty.

“A fair day's pay for a fair day's work is best for the employee, the employer and society.”

There are over 140 accredited living wage employers in Scotland, employing over 100,000 staff.