45,600 workers in Scotland set to benefit from vital pay boost Almost £240 million in extra wages has gone to low-paid workers in Scotland thanks to the Living Wage movement, including over £42 million since the start of lockdown. Over 34,000people in key worker industries in Scotland have benefitted from over £192 million in extra wages since … Read more
In a decent and just society, we should all be able to receive the support we need through a safe system of social protection. But right now, the UK’s social security system is failing to support people with mental health problems. With rising levels of mental ill health as a result of Covid-19, there is … Read more
One of the clearest impacts of the pandemic so far has been rising levels of unemployment, with young people being particularly affected by labour market disruption. Rachel Statham, Senior Research Fellow at IPPR, writes on the looming youth unemployment crisis in Scotland and the steps we can take to prevent long-term damage to a generation’s … Read more
The pandemic has shone a light on many of the deep inequalities created by the decisions that have been taken about how we design our economy. Miriam Brett, Director of Research and Advocacy at Common Wealth, here outlines some of the steps that can be taken in Scotland to build a more equitable, sustainable, and … Read more
As Challenge Poverty Week draws to a close, Scotland’s faith leaders have issued a joint statement calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to make changes to the social security system to stem the rising tide of poverty. In the statement, issued today, senior representatives from Scotland’s major faith groups urged both Westminster and Holyrood … Read more
Activist Jenna Woods shares her experience of navigating unaffordable transport costs as she pursued higher education and the world of work. She argues that expanding free public transport to under 25s and people receiving Universal Credit would help alleviate poverty and level the playing field. In a country as prosperous as Scotland, everyone should be … Read more
Amanda Foster, Community Activist with Poverty Alliance, argues that by introducing a Minimum Income Guarantee, the Scottish Government could ensure that disabled people like her have what they need to live full and dignified lives. This article was originally published in The Herald. In our society, we all believe that everyone should be able to … Read more
Never the Same Again? Addressing Poverty After the Pandemic Poverty Alliance Annual Conference, 9 October 2020 (online) The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on many of aspects of social injustice in our society. It has highlighted the importance of our social security system in providing a lifeline when we need it most, but the … Read more
After a fraught week for many community and voluntary organisations in Glasgow, Peter Kelly (Director of the Poverty Alliance) reflects on what it means for the fight against poverty in the city and elsewhere. Glasgow is known for many things; its vibrant music and arts scene, its beautiful green spaces, perhaps even the economic transformation … Read more
A coalition of anti-poverty organisations and children’s charities have today said that the decision not to bring forward an urgent cash boost to families living in poverty in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, “fails to adequately respond” to rising levels of poverty that risk overwhelming Scotland’s communities in the coming months as a result … Read more
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