1 IN 10 HOMES WITH NO WORK

But West Lothian lower than Scots average

Ten per cent of households with children in West Lothian are out of work new figures show.

The numbers published by the Office for National Statistics show that in West Lothian there are 4000 households where every adult is out of work.

This means that 10.6 per cent of households with children in West Lothian are out of work. However, the figure is slightly below the Scottish average of 11.6 per cent.

A jobless adult is someone who is either unemployed or can’t work because they are “economically inactive” and unable to get a job because of family commitments, retirement, study, sickness or disability.

Glasgow had the worst rate of children in jobless households across Scotland, followed by Dundee City (19.6 per cent), East Ayrshire ( 18.4 per cent) and West Dunbartonshire (16.2 per cent). Whilst East Renfrewshire had the best (4.6 per cent).

Matthew Geer, campaigns manager at poverty charity Turn2us, said: “There are many causes behind children growing up in workless households; lack of quality employment opportunities, long- term

disability or single parents struggling to juggle work with parenting are some common reasons. “It is vital to also highlight that 70 per cent of children in poverty live in working households so it is not as simple as getting adults into work. It is about creating meaningful, well paid, secure employment.”

A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We are committed to supporting people, especially parents, into work and under the new benefits system they can claim up to 85 per cent of childcare costs and receive tailored support from a personal Work Coach.”

Neil Findlay MSP said: “It is very concerning to see so many of our fellow citizens out of work. We need big changes to help people into secure work.

“An end to zero- hours contracts and an increase in the national minimum wage to £10 per hour would make a real difference, lifting families out of poverty.”

Lothian MSP Mi l e s Briggs said: “Having a strong economy and proper investment from the Scottish Government is crucial for creating employment opportunities in West Lothian.

“Employment has a huge impact on a person’s selfesteem and gives them the financial security to look after their family.”

Angela Constance MSP said: “These figures show how important it is that we continue to secure more good- quality jobs for West Lothian.

“One of the fundamental cornerstones to tackling child poverty is decent employment.”