Government focus on ‘the poor’ has failed to recognize that those above and below the poverty line have similar problems of low pay and inequality: tackling poverty means improving working conditions and job security for all

As unemployment continues to rise to near-record levels, the reductions in child poverty seen under Labour may now be reversing. New research from Kate Bell and Jason Strelitz finds that previous welfare reforms did not go far enough in reforming work itself. They argue that to really tackle poverty, policy makers must focus on improving working conditions and help people to find a better balance between paid employment and childcare.