NEU comments on the Joseph Rowntree Foundation annual poverty report

Commenting on the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report into poverty levels in the UK, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:    

"The harrowing figures in this report lay bare the scale of hardship inflicted on families by this Government’s economic policies. Our members see first hand the impact that poverty has on children’s education, affecting their ability to concentrate in school and fulfil their potential.   

"Every child living in poverty is a victim of political inaction. The Government urgently needs to offer free school meals to all children in primary schools to ensure that no child is left behind and put money back in families pockets."