JRF responds to Labour Party's pledge to eliminate in-work poverty
Responding to news from Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell that Labour will commit to eliminating in-work poverty over the course of a parliament, Claire Ainsley, Executive Director of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), said:
- Written by:
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Harriet Anderson
- Date published:
It’s unacceptable that more working families are being swept into poverty, so this significant ambition to eliminate in-work poverty is the right thing to do. With more working families unable to make ends meet, people are frustrated at the failure of politics to unlock the jobs, investment and opportunities needed so their families and local economies can thrive.
“Research for JRF this week shows how low-income families are still feeling squeezed: they feel as negative about their family's economic situation as during the 1992 and 2008 recessions, and for most, economic concerns are the most significant issue driving how they vote. This underlines the need for political parties to seize this agenda and set out comprehensive plans to improve living standards, tackle the cost of living and support struggling towns and cities.
“Delivering this commitment should be the number one focus for political leaders after Brexit. That way we can bring the country back together and ensure everyone has the opportunity to build a better life.”
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