Poverty Picture Revealed

Increasing numbers of Scots under the age of 30 are at risk of financial hardship.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says poverty is affecting the young more than the elderly.

In Fife, it's estimated that one in four kids go without daily essentials such as adequate meals and a warm home.

Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil is encouraging Scottish businesses to pay the living wage to all workers.

Mr Neil said: "This is a welcome report that highlights the risks of experiencing poverty for people of all ages, especially young adults.

“The Joseph Rowntree Foundation recognises the role we can all play in tackling poverty and acknowledges the positive effects of the Scottish Government’s effort to mitigate the worst of the UK Government’s welfare cuts.

“Within our current powers, the Scottish Government is making sure everyone gets the best start in life, through supporting families with extra childcare, tackling educational inequality through the £100 million Attainment Scotland Fund and legislating to make councils narrow the attainment gap. We also want to see more young people from the most deprived communities go to university by 2020.

“Yet many people with jobs remain in poverty - that’s why well-rewarded, sustainable employment provides the best route out of poverty. We pay the Living Wage and we encourage all employers to follow suit.”