Recurrent poverty
How can we break the cycle of poverty?
Contacts
Examining barriers to routes out of poverty.
Introduction
A family's income changes over the years and between generations. This programme looks at one aspect of these 'poverty dynamics' by undertaking research about people who are moving in and out of poverty - mainly those caught between low paid work and unemployment. It attempts to develop solutions to the problems, through policies aiming to promote sustainable jobs.
Key issues
Recurrent poverty reflects the fact that income mobility is often short-range. Nearly a third of those leaving poverty fall into poverty again within a year. Roughly one third of the 'pool' of people in poverty over a six-year period are the same households moving in and out of poverty.
Our review of poverty dynamics research indicates that a strong 'low pay, no pay' cycle means that those on low pay are more likely to lack work in the future and those out of work are more likely to be low paid when they get a job. A history of unemployment is a strong predictor of future unemployment.
Forthcoming in 2010
- Understanding recurrent poverty - Tracy Shildrick at Teeside University
Key links
- Low Pay Commission
- Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion
- The TUC
- UK Commission for Employment and Skills
- Lone parents cycling between work and benefits (DWP report, 2004, pdf)
Other info
There is an online discussion group for this programme. If you are interested in joining it, please contact Chris Goulden: chris.goulden@jrf.org.uk