This Joseph Rowntree Foundation study explores why disadvantaged parents move into poverty and identifies the specific barriers to them escaping the cycle of low pay/no pay or recurrent poverty.

The research found that parents remained in the low-pay/no-pay cycle due to:

• job characteristics, including low pay and the types of work available;
• lack of affordable and suitable childcare;
• the operation and monetary levels of benefits and tax credits.

The researchers concluded that for parents to escape poverty and the low-pay/no-pay cycle, paid employment must improve their financial circumstances, increase their ability to fulfil care responsibilities and enhance parents’ and children’s well-being.

The study is available to download from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation website.