The Resolution Foundation has highlighted the urgent need for improved childcare availability and affordability to help parents enter or advance in the workforce.

Currently, nearly 30% of children in the UK live in relative poverty after housing costs, affecting approximately 4.3 million children, according to Action for Children.

A significant shift in the landscape of poverty is evident, as 70% of families living in poverty now have at least one working parent, up from 49% in 2000.

Many families in poverty face barriers to employment, with half having a child under five and 31% having three or more children, alongside a notable number of adults with disabilities or health issues.

The UK government has committed to an ambitious child poverty strategy, with a comprehensive 10-year plan set to be published in spring 2025.

To combat child poverty, the government has introduced initiatives such as increasing the national living wage and providing free breakfast clubs for primary school children.

While the government has promised to expand free childcare, challenges remain as providers struggle with rising national insurance and minimum wage costs.

A government taskforce, led by Liz Kendall and Bridget Phillipson, is developing strategies to address child poverty and is expected to report in the coming months.

Charities have urged Labour to eliminate the two-child limit on certain benefits, a cap that remains unchanged following Rachel Reeves's budget in October 2024.

The Resolution Foundation argues that the Labour Party must enhance support for working parents to fulfill its promises regarding child poverty reduction.

Historically, Labour's government successfully lifted 600,000 children out of poverty, largely through increased employment among single parents.

Mike Brewer, interim director of the Resolution Foundation, emphasizes that achieving further poverty reduction will necessitate comprehensive actions across employment, housing, and benefits sectors.