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Breadline Britain day two: living on the 'cliff edge' of poverty Breadline Britain day two: hungry school kids and 'cliff edge' poverty
(40 minutes later)
4.40pm: My colleague John Domokos has made a short film about pupil hunger. You can see it here:
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4.17pm: We didn't want our teacher survey to be just about raw statistics, so we put in a "free text" area and asked respondents to comment in their own words about what they witnessed in their schools.
My colleague Emma Drury went thrugh the responses and collated them in this piece for the Guardian Teacher Network. She decribes the responses of those who took part as "bold, honest and uncut":
Put together they paint a fairly bleak portrait of how many pupils come to school hungry and how it affects their work, concentration and classmates.
Here's one respondent:
We have had problems with behaviour of Friday mornings before pay day due to no food in the fridge on Thursday evenings with one girl. Also vulnerable 14-16 year olds using money for food to score drugs, or going out instead of eating and then being not fit to learn the next day, either coming down with behavioural issues or saying they are too hungry and cannot do the learning activities- even after being given tea and toast first thing.
We have pupils who look malnourished, and increasingly other signs of poverty that never used to be so apparent- holes in clothes, and tights, same outfit being worn every day such that other pupils say they do not want to be in the same group or work in the room after these pupils because of body odour.
Some teachers thought the problem was in part due to poor parenting:
It's not a school's business. If parents can't be bothered to feed their children properly, it's not for teachers to take on that role.
But others saw it as a symptom of wider societal pressures, such as poverty, mental illness and debt:
It is easy to dismiss hunger as a parenting issue but it is too simplistic to do so. Many families are at crisis point and the problem is increasing as austerity measures bite. I am the headteacher of a school in a very socially deprived area and I very rarely encounter parents who make a conscious decision to send their children to school hungry. Instead, other factors - debt, family break up, anti-social behaviour, mental health issues, I could go on - result in a chaotic start to the day and limited funds mean that breakfast can be a low priority.
4.04pm: The Teacher Network survey found that 83% of teachers see evidence of hungry teachers in their class.4.04pm: The Teacher Network survey found that 83% of teachers see evidence of hungry teachers in their class.
Here are some of the other top line findings:Here are some of the other top line findings:
• 55% said up to a quarter of pupils arrived hungry; 28% said up to a half of their children did; 8% said it was up to three-quarters; and 2% said it was every pupil.• 55% said up to a quarter of pupils arrived hungry; 28% said up to a half of their children did; 8% said it was up to three-quarters; and 2% said it was every pupil.
• 72% identified lack of parenting skills as a reason for the growing number of pupils going hungry; 58% said family health or social problems; 44% said lack of family time; 41% cited benefit cuts and 35% said cost-of-living pressures.• 72% identified lack of parenting skills as a reason for the growing number of pupils going hungry; 58% said family health or social problems; 44% said lack of family time; 41% cited benefit cuts and 35% said cost-of-living pressures.
• 20% said the increase in pupil hunger they had seen was "dramatic", while 68% said it was "moderate".• 20% said the increase in pupil hunger they had seen was "dramatic", while 68% said it was "moderate".
• 89% said the lack of breakfast for some pupils affected the teaching of other pupils in the class; only 4% disagreed.• 89% said the lack of breakfast for some pupils affected the teaching of other pupils in the class; only 4% disagreed.
• 59% said children were sometimes taken out of class due to illness or behaviour and given something to eat and 13% said that occurred regularly.• 59% said children were sometimes taken out of class due to illness or behaviour and given something to eat and 13% said that occurred regularly.
The Guardian's datablog team has done a visualisation of the Teacher Network survey results. You can see it, and the rest of the data, here.The Guardian's datablog team has done a visualisation of the Teacher Network survey results. You can see it, and the rest of the data, here.
3.46pm: My colleague Amelia Gentleman visited several schools to talk to teachers, pupils and parents about the problem of pupil hunger.3.46pm: My colleague Amelia Gentleman visited several schools to talk to teachers, pupils and parents about the problem of pupil hunger.
In this extract from her Guardian report she flicks through a pile of application forms from schools to a charity which provides breakfast clubs:In this extract from her Guardian report she flicks through a pile of application forms from schools to a charity which provides breakfast clubs:
A few minutes spent leafing through the forms sent to charities by schools hoping to get funding to provide pupils with free breakfasts builds up a vivid picture of how teachers all over the country are struggling to help ill-fed children who come into school hungry.A few minutes spent leafing through the forms sent to charities by schools hoping to get funding to provide pupils with free breakfasts builds up a vivid picture of how teachers all over the country are struggling to help ill-fed children who come into school hungry.
Around 40% of first aid referrals from last year were deemed to be caused by lack of breakfast," a teacher writes from a school on the Hartcliffe estate in Bristol, adding: "Many of our children do not eat before school and this leads to many problems throughout the school day." Staff at a school in Blackburn say they have observed pupils who are "underweight and pale", and have "poor concentration, are tired and lethargic, often complain of feeling hunger pangs". A teacher from Merseyside writes: "We have undertaken a survey today and over a quarter of our children have not had breakfast in key stage two [seven to 11-year-olds] this morning."Around 40% of first aid referrals from last year were deemed to be caused by lack of breakfast," a teacher writes from a school on the Hartcliffe estate in Bristol, adding: "Many of our children do not eat before school and this leads to many problems throughout the school day." Staff at a school in Blackburn say they have observed pupils who are "underweight and pale", and have "poor concentration, are tired and lethargic, often complain of feeling hunger pangs". A teacher from Merseyside writes: "We have undertaken a survey today and over a quarter of our children have not had breakfast in key stage two [seven to 11-year-olds] this morning."

There's plenty more heartbreaking stuff like that. You can read Millie's piece in full here.
There's plenty more heartbreaking stuff like that. You can read Millie's piece in full here.
3.39pm: Now onto the second part of our Breadline Britain series: hungry school children.3.39pm: Now onto the second part of our Breadline Britain series: hungry school children.
We had heard anecdotally from teachers that over the past couple of years they'd seen a disturbing increase in the numbers of school children - at both primary and secondary level - turning up for class without having eaten that day.We had heard anecdotally from teachers that over the past couple of years they'd seen a disturbing increase in the numbers of school children - at both primary and secondary level - turning up for class without having eaten that day.
We asked the Guardian Teacher Network to poll their 90,000-plus members to see if we could get a better handle on the problem.We asked the Guardian Teacher Network to poll their 90,000-plus members to see if we could get a better handle on the problem.
That survey, of nearly 600 teachers across the UK, found:That survey, of nearly 600 teachers across the UK, found:
Four out of five teachers (83%) see pupils who are hungry in the morning and 55% said up to a quarter of pupils arrive having not eaten enough. More than half say the numbers of children involved have been rising in the past year or two, which have seen some families hit hard by the recession, unemployment and benefit cuts.Four out of five teachers (83%) see pupils who are hungry in the morning and 55% said up to a quarter of pupils arrive having not eaten enough. More than half say the numbers of children involved have been rising in the past year or two, which have seen some families hit hard by the recession, unemployment and benefit cuts.
In the light of the survey, the Royal College of GPs, the National Association of Headteachers and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have all called for free school breakfasts to be provided in the most deprived schools, on the same basis as free school dinners.In the light of the survey, the Royal College of GPs, the National Association of Headteachers and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have all called for free school breakfasts to be provided in the most deprived schools, on the same basis as free school dinners.
The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is also preparing to fund the Magic Breakfast charity to provide breakfasts at 50 of London's poorest schools.The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is also preparing to fund the Magic Breakfast charity to provide breakfasts at 50 of London's poorest schools.
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
3.16pm: More on the Breadline Britain "high growth sectors" - this time, foodbanks.3.16pm: More on the Breadline Britain "high growth sectors" - this time, foodbanks.
Kate Belgrave is a journalist who has been travelling around the UK this year collecting interviews with people dealing with social care cuts and benefit reform in different parts of the country.Kate Belgrave is a journalist who has been travelling around the UK this year collecting interviews with people dealing with social care cuts and benefit reform in different parts of the country.
In Poole, Dorset, she interviewed Lorraine Russell who runs a foodbank there. Lorraine told her:In Poole, Dorset, she interviewed Lorraine Russell who runs a foodbank there. Lorraine told her:
I've been here for about four years and in that time the numbers [of people who need food parcels] have increased dramatically. Certainly, in the last month it has tripled from what we gave out [at the same time] two years ago.I've been here for about four years and in that time the numbers [of people who need food parcels] have increased dramatically. Certainly, in the last month it has tripled from what we gave out [at the same time] two years ago.

She adds:
She adds:
Numbers are growing and we are seeing a lot of people on a fairly regular basis. Certainly, in the last six months, six to nine months, things have got worse financially and people have to pay more for their rent, or their mortgage has gone up, so they have to keep a roof over their heads and there's not enough money for a lot of people to actually buy food for their family.Numbers are growing and we are seeing a lot of people on a fairly regular basis. Certainly, in the last six months, six to nine months, things have got worse financially and people have to pay more for their rent, or their mortgage has gone up, so they have to keep a roof over their heads and there's not enough money for a lot of people to actually buy food for their family.
[There is a real] mix of people, ordinary people - there's not a typical person who comes to the foodbank. It's anybody - somebody who has maybe just lost their job, somebody who is maybe long term sick, so anybody, so they come here and we give them their food.[There is a real] mix of people, ordinary people - there's not a typical person who comes to the foodbank. It's anybody - somebody who has maybe just lost their job, somebody who is maybe long term sick, so anybody, so they come here and we give them their food.
The foodbank was originally set up six years ago to support homeless people. But that has changed, says Lorraine:The foodbank was originally set up six years ago to support homeless people. But that has changed, says Lorraine:
Before, the primary reason (for needing food parcels) was benefit cuts or delays, but now that's been overtaken by people on low incomes. We used to get very few low-income people, but now that has taken over.Before, the primary reason (for needing food parcels) was benefit cuts or delays, but now that's been overtaken by people on low incomes. We used to get very few low-income people, but now that has taken over.
You can read Kate's full interview here:You can read Kate's full interview here:
Kate tweets as @hangbitchKate tweets as @hangbitch
2.43pm: My colleague Hannah Waldram has been following our online webchat in comments with Bruno Rost from Experian and James Plunkett from Resolution Foundation.2.43pm: My colleague Hannah Waldram has been following our online webchat in comments with Bruno Rost from Experian and James Plunkett from Resolution Foundation.
Here's a snippet:Here's a snippet:
BrunoRost writes:BrunoRost writes:
The difference here is we aren't looking at actual poverty, which is well documented and publicised, but potential risk of falling into poverty. This is the next tier up, a section of the population which doesn't get much visibility and is more difficult to quantify.The difference here is we aren't looking at actual poverty, which is well documented and publicised, but potential risk of falling into poverty. This is the next tier up, a section of the population which doesn't get much visibility and is more difficult to quantify.
James I would be interested to know whether you have been able to quantify the wealth poverty gap and whether recent years have witnessed a significant widening?James I would be interested to know whether you have been able to quantify the wealth poverty gap and whether recent years have witnessed a significant widening?

ArseneKnows comments:
ArseneKnows comments:
Wasn't that also the conclusion from the OECD - transfer payments such as Tax Credits were actually making a positive difference.Wasn't that also the conclusion from the OECD - transfer payments such as Tax Credits were actually making a positive difference.
Isn't the other side of this also the expectation that in coming years as in-work benefits, higher charges and service cuts kick in ending provision such as Sure Start, there will be a significant number of families falling off the edge. Is there any estimate of this number?Isn't the other side of this also the expectation that in coming years as in-work benefits, higher charges and service cuts kick in ending provision such as Sure Start, there will be a significant number of families falling off the edge. Is there any estimate of this number?
jamesplunkett writes in reply to BrunoRostjamesplunkett writes in reply to BrunoRost
We do not have a total index of wealth inequality but we know that it is significant. For example, our Essential Guide to Squeezed Britain highlighted that 2/3 of households on low to middle incomes have less than £1500 in savings whilst 65% have no / frozen personal or occupational pension. The National Equality Panel has previously done quite a lot of work on wealth inequalities.We do not have a total index of wealth inequality but we know that it is significant. For example, our Essential Guide to Squeezed Britain highlighted that 2/3 of households on low to middle incomes have less than £1500 in savings whilst 65% have no / frozen personal or occupational pension. The National Equality Panel has previously done quite a lot of work on wealth inequalities.
ArseneKnows yes, you're right, the OECD has said that in-work tax credits narrow the income distribution and raise incentives to work. I've not seen any specific figures on the number of families falling off the edge but we do know that if continue to have weak income growth families won't be any better off in 2020 than they were in 2001ArseneKnows yes, you're right, the OECD has said that in-work tax credits narrow the income distribution and raise incentives to work. I've not seen any specific figures on the number of families falling off the edge but we do know that if continue to have weak income growth families won't be any better off in 2020 than they were in 2001
2.36pm: What happens when you want a job but can't get can't one and are on benefits? Here's another reader testimony, from Claire, who also brings up an important point about childcare.2.36pm: What happens when you want a job but can't get can't one and are on benefits? Here's another reader testimony, from Claire, who also brings up an important point about childcare.
I am a 29 year old graduate and single parent of two wonderful children aged 6 and 3. I was left on my own by my ex-partner who decided he no longer wanted a family, and despite being in a well paid job he pays the bare minimum in child support.I am a 29 year old graduate and single parent of two wonderful children aged 6 and 3. I was left on my own by my ex-partner who decided he no longer wanted a family, and despite being in a well paid job he pays the bare minimum in child support.
As I have no family help and childcare is so expensive, I have been claiming benefits for the past three years but I am ashamed by this as it was always my goal to be successful and provide for my children.As I have no family help and childcare is so expensive, I have been claiming benefits for the past three years but I am ashamed by this as it was always my goal to be successful and provide for my children.
Every week when I go shopping I see the costs of the basics rise. Where once I bought Heinz beans, I now have to buy value range. I tend to shop around the times of day when goods are reduced in price so we can have good, healthy meals to eat. It's hard to have to say no to treats for the children all the time and as I don't smoke, drink or go out to party, its hard not to treat myself sometimes.Every week when I go shopping I see the costs of the basics rise. Where once I bought Heinz beans, I now have to buy value range. I tend to shop around the times of day when goods are reduced in price so we can have good, healthy meals to eat. It's hard to have to say no to treats for the children all the time and as I don't smoke, drink or go out to party, its hard not to treat myself sometimes.
I always used to focus on things getting better when I could start working but after seeing several friends go through the transition back to work, i'm afraid.I always used to focus on things getting better when I could start working but after seeing several friends go through the transition back to work, i'm afraid.
Benefits are stopped before wages are paid, rents on private accommodation are unmanageable, hours are not flexible, kids are being sent to school ill because their parents cant get the day off, parents are seeing their kids for a couple of hours a day and all for less money than they would get on benefits.Benefits are stopped before wages are paid, rents on private accommodation are unmanageable, hours are not flexible, kids are being sent to school ill because their parents cant get the day off, parents are seeing their kids for a couple of hours a day and all for less money than they would get on benefits.
I have to visit the job centre every 6 months for a benefits update and even the staff tell me there's no point in working despite me longing to.I have to visit the job centre every 6 months for a benefits update and even the staff tell me there's no point in working despite me longing to.
I worry what happens when my benefits have been stopped, when my youngest child turns five, what am I going to do? Luckily he'll be at school then for 22 and a half hours a week but what's meant to happen in the seven week summer holidays?I worry what happens when my benefits have been stopped, when my youngest child turns five, what am I going to do? Luckily he'll be at school then for 22 and a half hours a week but what's meant to happen in the seven week summer holidays?
It's so full of uncertainties that it becomes stressful!It's so full of uncertainties that it becomes stressful!
2.27pm: This is well worth a read. It's a really powerful testimony of life on the cliff edge, from a reader who would prefer to go by the name Coyote80.2.27pm: This is well worth a read. It's a really powerful testimony of life on the cliff edge, from a reader who would prefer to go by the name Coyote80.
I have had a job since I was 14. I am now 27 and currently have three jobs. I work weekends in a nightclub, freelance design in the evenings about three times a week and am a full time designer which I studied and got a 2:1 for. I am on £16,925 -ish per year for my full time job before tax and national insurance, and I take home about £1,100 per month.I have had a job since I was 14. I am now 27 and currently have three jobs. I work weekends in a nightclub, freelance design in the evenings about three times a week and am a full time designer which I studied and got a 2:1 for. I am on £16,925 -ish per year for my full time job before tax and national insurance, and I take home about £1,100 per month.
I still live at home with my mum as I simply cannot afford to move out. She's on a teaching assistant wage and my brother's at uni studying graphics but lives with us as the uni is down the road. He has two part time jobs on top of his loan.I still live at home with my mum as I simply cannot afford to move out. She's on a teaching assistant wage and my brother's at uni studying graphics but lives with us as the uni is down the road. He has two part time jobs on top of his loan.
We have no mortgage but have this month had to put the quarterly fuel bill on mum's credit card. There is now no more spare money, no savings, nothing; if we wanted to release equity on our house we wouldn't be able to cover the mortgage.We have no mortgage but have this month had to put the quarterly fuel bill on mum's credit card. There is now no more spare money, no savings, nothing; if we wanted to release equity on our house we wouldn't be able to cover the mortgage.
My car is on finance and I drive 80 miles a day round trip to work and it's a 1.4 diesel so not a gas guzzler. When diesel was up at 1.45p a litre I was forced to ask for a small payrise of £85.50 a month from my full time employer as I was bottoming out of my funds a week before payday every month since December. I'm still waiting news on the payrise with little hope.My car is on finance and I drive 80 miles a day round trip to work and it's a 1.4 diesel so not a gas guzzler. When diesel was up at 1.45p a litre I was forced to ask for a small payrise of £85.50 a month from my full time employer as I was bottoming out of my funds a week before payday every month since December. I'm still waiting news on the payrise with little hope.
When the fuel goes back up in August, I literally will not be able to afford to get to work. I don't have children (can't afford them!) and I can't afford to move out even down the road let alone closer to work.When the fuel goes back up in August, I literally will not be able to afford to get to work. I don't have children (can't afford them!) and I can't afford to move out even down the road let alone closer to work.
The job I'm in is a dead end which is affecting my morale and also my chances of succeeding in attaining a better one closer to home with competition so high. I have wanted this career since I was 14 and have spent all that money going to uni to study for it and make a life for myself but lately I have had to seriously weigh up the possibility of having to go full time in a bar or get a retail job in my home city just because I can no longer afford to get to work.The job I'm in is a dead end which is affecting my morale and also my chances of succeeding in attaining a better one closer to home with competition so high. I have wanted this career since I was 14 and have spent all that money going to uni to study for it and make a life for myself but lately I have had to seriously weigh up the possibility of having to go full time in a bar or get a retail job in my home city just because I can no longer afford to get to work.
I have not been unemployed since I was 14, more often than not running two jobs alongside each other. I claimed Job Seeker's [Allowance] once after I was made redundant for just over a month and even then I was also working in a bar whilst searching for full time employment.I have not been unemployed since I was 14, more often than not running two jobs alongside each other. I claimed Job Seeker's [Allowance] once after I was made redundant for just over a month and even then I was also working in a bar whilst searching for full time employment.
I've been to the cinema and eaten out about 4 times in the last two years. I don't drink, at all and I work in the club so I don't go out, ever. I cannot give anymore hours to working, I have to sleep at some point, and there's nothing left to cut in spending. I can't remember the last time I went shopping for clothes. I've even haggled O2 down on my monthly mobile contract and I drive economically in an economical car, which probably won't hack the long journeys much longer... then I don't know what I'll do, I can't afford to fix it if it breaks.I've been to the cinema and eaten out about 4 times in the last two years. I don't drink, at all and I work in the club so I don't go out, ever. I cannot give anymore hours to working, I have to sleep at some point, and there's nothing left to cut in spending. I can't remember the last time I went shopping for clothes. I've even haggled O2 down on my monthly mobile contract and I drive economically in an economical car, which probably won't hack the long journeys much longer... then I don't know what I'll do, I can't afford to fix it if it breaks.
My bills are the credit card I have had to use in previous hardships to cover car repairs and helping my mum with household bills and a mortgage on our previous house. After that, diesel, rent, car insurance and car finance, I'm spent out. Most of my spending is simply to get to and from work.My bills are the credit card I have had to use in previous hardships to cover car repairs and helping my mum with household bills and a mortgage on our previous house. After that, diesel, rent, car insurance and car finance, I'm spent out. Most of my spending is simply to get to and from work.
How is the government expecting us to get out of this? My situation won't change, there's nowhere for me to progress to in my current job for a decent payrise so am I expected to just sit here and work until I rot? I haven't even contemplated a pension, I can't afford it!How is the government expecting us to get out of this? My situation won't change, there's nowhere for me to progress to in my current job for a decent payrise so am I expected to just sit here and work until I rot? I haven't even contemplated a pension, I can't afford it!
I can't move out, I can't afford to have children, I'm working all day everyday and weekends to make MY ends meet so I have no time to meet someone to even have said children with. My best friend has two children under school age, she actually said to me that she wouldn't have had the youngest if they knew that things were going to get this bad, both her and her husband work well paid jobs and now she won't even be able to return full time to work due to the cut in child care allowance and child tax credits.I can't move out, I can't afford to have children, I'm working all day everyday and weekends to make MY ends meet so I have no time to meet someone to even have said children with. My best friend has two children under school age, she actually said to me that she wouldn't have had the youngest if they knew that things were going to get this bad, both her and her husband work well paid jobs and now she won't even be able to return full time to work due to the cut in child care allowance and child tax credits.
It's awful when you hear people talking about the poor being "workshy". My family and I and my friends have always been anything but "workshy", all working multiple jobs from school age. And now we're forgotten by the government, poor and left to sit and suck it up waiting nervously for the car to break or the fridge to become empty.It's awful when you hear people talking about the poor being "workshy". My family and I and my friends have always been anything but "workshy", all working multiple jobs from school age. And now we're forgotten by the government, poor and left to sit and suck it up waiting nervously for the car to break or the fridge to become empty.
Please send your accounts of life on the breadline to me at: patrick.butler@guardian.co.ukPlease send your accounts of life on the breadline to me at: patrick.butler@guardian.co.uk
2.16pm: Matthew Pennycook of the Resolution Foundation writes:2.16pm: Matthew Pennycook of the Resolution Foundation writes:
"Work has always been the surest route out of poverty but never a certain one. As millions of low to middle income families endure a decade long squeeze on living standards as a result of stagnant wages and rising prices it is less certain than ever. For many households in low-wage jobs work alone does not pull them back from the brink of real financial hardship."Work has always been the surest route out of poverty but never a certain one. As millions of low to middle income families endure a decade long squeeze on living standards as a result of stagnant wages and rising prices it is less certain than ever. For many households in low-wage jobs work alone does not pull them back from the brink of real financial hardship.
"Testimonies from families on this cliff edge reveal a daily struggle to manage household finances. We found many lucky enough to have family nearby to help look after children, cover the cost of the occasional shopping trip or provide a loan to help pay a large bill. But not all households have these support networks to fall back on."Testimonies from families on this cliff edge reveal a daily struggle to manage household finances. We found many lucky enough to have family nearby to help look after children, cover the cost of the occasional shopping trip or provide a loan to help pay a large bill. But not all households have these support networks to fall back on.
"All rely on tax credits to help them survive in our low pay economy and most will be particularly hard hit by recent deep cuts to tax credit support that will not be made up by increases in the personal allowance."All rely on tax credits to help them survive in our low pay economy and most will be particularly hard hit by recent deep cuts to tax credit support that will not be made up by increases in the personal allowance.
"When the economy eventually returns to growth, these families will be dependent on government action to ensure that the benefits of growth are more evenly spread than in Britain's last period of economic growth"."When the economy eventually returns to growth, these families will be dependent on government action to ensure that the benefits of growth are more evenly spread than in Britain's last period of economic growth".
2.09pm: More on the Breadline Britain "high growth sectors". My colleague Hilary Osborne wrote recently on the rise of payday loans companies.2.09pm: More on the Breadline Britain "high growth sectors". My colleague Hilary Osborne wrote recently on the rise of payday loans companies.
She'd like Guardian readers to help her map the prevalence of payday lenders by reporting on the number that operate from their local high street.She'd like Guardian readers to help her map the prevalence of payday lenders by reporting on the number that operate from their local high street.
She says:She says:
We want to discover which street in the UK has the most payday loan shops. Please tell the name of the street, town and a list of the relevant shops. Please email them to hilary.osborne@guardian.co.uk. When we have located the UK's payday loan shop capital we will take a closer look at what is driving the proliferation of shops there and how it is affecting the town.We want to discover which street in the UK has the most payday loan shops. Please tell the name of the street, town and a list of the relevant shops. Please email them to hilary.osborne@guardian.co.uk. When we have located the UK's payday loan shop capital we will take a closer look at what is driving the proliferation of shops there and how it is affecting the town.
1.17pm: We are welcoming two guests to discuss Breadline Britain in an online chat today. Bruno Rost of Experian (which crunched the "risk of poverty" data) is now below the line answering your questions, and James Plunkett, secretary to the Commission on Living Standards at the Resolution Foundation, will be joining the discussion shortly.1.17pm: We are welcoming two guests to discuss Breadline Britain in an online chat today. Bruno Rost of Experian (which crunched the "risk of poverty" data) is now below the line answering your questions, and James Plunkett, secretary to the Commission on Living Standards at the Resolution Foundation, will be joining the discussion shortly.
1.13pm: The community activist credited with opening Iain Duncan Smith's eyes to poverty and inspiring him to embrace compassionate conservatism has called on the work and pensions secretary to resign, Amelia Gentleman reports.1.13pm: The community activist credited with opening Iain Duncan Smith's eyes to poverty and inspiring him to embrace compassionate conservatism has called on the work and pensions secretary to resign, Amelia Gentleman reports.
In a sharp attack on Duncan Smith, Bob Holman sets out how far the secretary of state for work and pensions has drifted from his original commitment to tackling poverty, and urges him to give up his ministerial role.In a sharp attack on Duncan Smith, Bob Holman sets out how far the secretary of state for work and pensions has drifted from his original commitment to tackling poverty, and urges him to give up his ministerial role.
Duncan Smith's visit to the Easterhouse estate in 2002, when he was leader of the Conservative party, has become famous as the moment that sparked his determination to tackle societal breakdown. Holman took him around the estate's powerful community project, staffed by unemployed volunteers. The occasion became known as the Easterhouse epiphany and in 2003, Duncan Smith announced he wanted the Conservatives to become the "party for the poor".Duncan Smith's visit to the Easterhouse estate in 2002, when he was leader of the Conservative party, has become famous as the moment that sparked his determination to tackle societal breakdown. Holman took him around the estate's powerful community project, staffed by unemployed volunteers. The occasion became known as the Easterhouse epiphany and in 2003, Duncan Smith announced he wanted the Conservatives to become the "party for the poor".
Holman writes:Holman writes:
Duncan Smith is paradox personified. He wept at the plight of the poor yet now hands out punishments that must bring tears to their eyes. In 2005, at a fringe meeting at the Labour party conference, he called on Labour to promote a definition of lowest income that would allow all to have "sufficient resources to participate in the life of the community". Now, the poorest families are in receipt of food parcels.Duncan Smith is paradox personified. He wept at the plight of the poor yet now hands out punishments that must bring tears to their eyes. In 2005, at a fringe meeting at the Labour party conference, he called on Labour to promote a definition of lowest income that would allow all to have "sufficient resources to participate in the life of the community". Now, the poorest families are in receipt of food parcels.
So, what should Duncan Smith's next move be? He should resign and become a campaigner for the end of poverty. As a Conservative, he would reach a different audience from those of us who preach to the converted. He should set up an independent commission to assess how much family income is required to enable everyone to be included in mainstream society. Then, he should decide how this could be achieved by redistribution from the top to the bottom – greater equality undermines the very evils Duncan Smith thinks lead to poverty. This would be the most constructive Tory U-turn of all.So, what should Duncan Smith's next move be? He should resign and become a campaigner for the end of poverty. As a Conservative, he would reach a different audience from those of us who preach to the converted. He should set up an independent commission to assess how much family income is required to enable everyone to be included in mainstream society. Then, he should decide how this could be achieved by redistribution from the top to the bottom – greater equality undermines the very evils Duncan Smith thinks lead to poverty. This would be the most constructive Tory U-turn of all.
12.37pm: Below the line, I found a link to this excellent post by Caominhe on the Caoimhe Reads Books blog, about her experience of working and being poor.12.37pm: Below the line, I found a link to this excellent post by Caominhe on the Caoimhe Reads Books blog, about her experience of working and being poor.
Here's an extract:Here's an extract:

So, how did I become poor? Well, let's take that list of descriptors and see how far they led me to my poverty. Work-shy? Well, I mentioned that I work. I actually enjoy my job, really, really. And, I truly appreciate having it. And, I've always worked. I'm not too proud to take any job (I've worked nights washing dishes for (well) below minimum wage, because I needed a job. I work hard in my current job, and take every single hour I can get (let's strike 'lazy' off the list too).
So, how did I become poor? Well, let's take that list of descriptors and see how far they led me to my poverty. Work-shy? Well, I mentioned that I work. I actually enjoy my job, really, really. And, I truly appreciate having it. And, I've always worked. I'm not too proud to take any job (I've worked nights washing dishes for (well) below minimum wage, because I needed a job. I work hard in my current job, and take every single hour I can get (let's strike 'lazy' off the list too).
I am highly educated, which I have done for a love of education. I suppose you could argue that I could have taken a job straight from school I would be rich by now, and certainly I have made my life poorer by going back to Uni again and again. But, I also don't think it's a bad thing.I am highly educated, which I have done for a love of education. I suppose you could argue that I could have taken a job straight from school I would be rich by now, and certainly I have made my life poorer by going back to Uni again and again. But, I also don't think it's a bad thing.
Criminal? Nah, I'm dreadfully well behaved. I'm not addicted to any drugs (except tea, maybe), and I do enjoy going out for a drink, but I'm not a raving lunatic on this either. Scrounger? Well, I have claimed Job Seekers Allowance, but I wouldn't say it was scrounging, since I was seeking a job at the time. Plus, since I earned some money from Uni, I was apparently too rich to get much money. Which was hilarious.Criminal? Nah, I'm dreadfully well behaved. I'm not addicted to any drugs (except tea, maybe), and I do enjoy going out for a drink, but I'm not a raving lunatic on this either. Scrounger? Well, I have claimed Job Seekers Allowance, but I wouldn't say it was scrounging, since I was seeking a job at the time. Plus, since I earned some money from Uni, I was apparently too rich to get much money. Which was hilarious.
I got poor despite working hard, getting educated, volunteering, being a fairly well behaved citizen. I became poor because it's REALLY HARD TO GET A JOB! That's not my fault! I apply for plenty, but there simply isn't enough employment. You know, because of the recession you might have heard about. I'm just on the list of people who are in part-time work, and can't get fulltime.I got poor despite working hard, getting educated, volunteering, being a fairly well behaved citizen. I became poor because it's REALLY HARD TO GET A JOB! That's not my fault! I apply for plenty, but there simply isn't enough employment. You know, because of the recession you might have heard about. I'm just on the list of people who are in part-time work, and can't get fulltime.
Well worth reading the full post.Well worth reading the full post.
12.09pm: There's been much comment below the line about what constitutes poverty - and whether people are "really" on the breadline or not.12.09pm: There's been much comment below the line about what constitutes poverty - and whether people are "really" on the breadline or not.
Chris Goulden, Programme Manager for Poverty at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explains the relationship between work, poverty and what people consider to be "an acceptable standard of living".Chris Goulden, Programme Manager for Poverty at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explains the relationship between work, poverty and what people consider to be "an acceptable standard of living".
He writes:He writes:
"The Guardian has exposed just how near the edge many families are. We expect the number of adults in poverty to rise by nearly 2 million by 2020. Our research indicates that in the long term, poverty is on the increase and simply saying that work is the salvation will not solve the problem. Income through work doesn't necessarily take you out of poverty.
"The Guardian has exposed just how near the edge many families are. We expect the number of adults in poverty to rise by nearly 2 million by 2020. Our research indicates that in the long term, poverty is on the increase and simply saying that work is the salvation will not solve the problem. Income through work doesn't necessarily take you out of poverty.
"If you are in work and in poverty, you and your family will still experience all of the impacts that surviving on an inadequate income brings. A couple with two children need to both work full-time and earn at least £36,800 between them to reach the "minimum income standard", based on what members of the public think people need to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living.

"Working families in poverty not only earn significantly less than that but they have no financial buffer to protect them from life's vicissitudes: the unexpected cost of a car repair or new fridge can tip them over the edge into poverty. Is that really poor? Yes – this is about need, not luxury.		"If you are in work and in poverty, you and your family will still experience all of the impacts that surviving on an inadequate income brings. A couple with two children need to both work full-time and earn at least £36,800 between them to reach the "minimum income standard", based on what members of the public think people need to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living.

"Working families in poverty not only earn significantly less than that but they have no financial buffer to protect them from life's vicissitudes: the unexpected cost of a car repair or new fridge can tip them over the edge into poverty. Is that really poor? Yes – this is about need, not luxury.
Our evidence shows repeatedly that people want to work, contribute to society and set a good example to their children, but the reality is, low-paid, insecure and dead-end jobs contribute to the cycle of poverty and that's the real issue that political leaders need to tackle."Our evidence shows repeatedly that people want to work, contribute to society and set a good example to their children, but the reality is, low-paid, insecure and dead-end jobs contribute to the cycle of poverty and that's the real issue that political leaders need to tackle."
11.43am: One of the intriguing findings in our investigations is the emergence of what we might call "high-growth" sectors serving cliff edge households (and the squeezed middle, and those in poverty).11.43am: One of the intriguing findings in our investigations is the emergence of what we might call "high-growth" sectors serving cliff edge households (and the squeezed middle, and those in poverty).
We found:We found:
• Payday loans companies such as Wonga are thriving.• Payday loans companies such as Wonga are thriving.
• Charity shops are booming, having acquired an estimated one million new low and middle income customers over the past year.• Charity shops are booming, having acquired an estimated one million new low and middle income customers over the past year.
• Food banks are proliferating (100% growth in the Trussel trust foodbank network in 12 months alone) with demand driven in part by working families struggling to put food on the table.• Food banks are proliferating (100% growth in the Trussel trust foodbank network in 12 months alone) with demand driven in part by working families struggling to put food on the table.
The other interesting development, referred to in Amelia Hill's long read on in-work poverty, is the soaring demand for charity hardship grants.The other interesting development, referred to in Amelia Hill's long read on in-work poverty, is the soaring demand for charity hardship grants.
Traditionally focused on providing discreet assistance to the vulnerable and retired, benevolent funds now find themselves unexpectedly providing a welfare safety net to the young, able and employed who cannot make ends meet.Traditionally focused on providing discreet assistance to the vulnerable and retired, benevolent funds now find themselves unexpectedly providing a welfare safety net to the young, able and employed who cannot make ends meet.
The funds have always helped out beneficiaries with relatively low cost capital items like cookers and essential house repairs. The funds now report that requests are increasingly for help with meeting basic living costs: paying a gas bill or a housing rental deposit; car repairs; even cash for food.The funds have always helped out beneficiaries with relatively low cost capital items like cookers and essential house repairs. The funds now report that requests are increasingly for help with meeting basic living costs: paying a gas bill or a housing rental deposit; car repairs; even cash for food.
I spoke to Judith Smith, a director at the Charity for Civil Servants fund. She told me:I spoke to Judith Smith, a director at the Charity for Civil Servants fund. She told me:
Normally, when we helped working civil servants it was as a result of reduced pay because of ill health. Now 85% of grants go to people working on full pay, who are just not able to get to the end of the month [without running out of cash].Normally, when we helped working civil servants it was as a result of reduced pay because of ill health. Now 85% of grants go to people working on full pay, who are just not able to get to the end of the month [without running out of cash].
She added:She added:
Who has become our biggest 'competitor' in the last couple of years? Payday loans companies. People would rather get a payday loan than go to a charity.Who has become our biggest 'competitor' in the last couple of years? Payday loans companies. People would rather get a payday loan than go to a charity.
10.48am: So, how did up to 3.6m households find themselves on the cliff edge?10.48am: So, how did up to 3.6m households find themselves on the cliff edge?
One of the most succinct accounts of how many of Britain's lower to middle income working families find themselves on the breadline can be found in a Oxfam report which came out last week.One of the most succinct accounts of how many of Britain's lower to middle income working families find themselves on the breadline can be found in a Oxfam report which came out last week.
Called The Perfect Storm the report sets out the following key elements in the story:Called The Perfect Storm the report sets out the following key elements in the story:
• Rising unemployment and declining incomes
• The increased cost of living
• Cuts to public services
• Welfare reform and benefit cuts
• Rising costs of housing
• Weak labour rights.		• Rising unemployment and declining incomes
• The increased cost of living
• Cuts to public services
• Welfare reform and benefit cuts
• Rising costs of housing
• Weak labour rights.
There are plenty of crunchy statistics in there. Here are some key ones:There are plenty of crunchy statistics in there. Here are some key ones:
• Spending cuts hit the poorest tenth of the population 13 times harder than the richest tenth.
• Seventy-two per cent of the benefit cuts announced in 2010 will be paid by poor women.
• The number of Housing Benefit claimants in work more than doubled between November 2008 and February 2012.
• Since the recession started, 830,000 permanent full-time jobs have been lost, and half a million new part-time jobs created. The number of people in temporary work because they cannot find a permanent job has risen by 73 per cent. The UK has weaker protection for those in work than Mexico.
• Average earnings shrank by 4.4 per cent last year. Incomes of the directors of FTSE 100 companies rose by 49 per cent.(figures for the financial year up to April 2011)
• Food prices have risen by 30.5 per cent in five years. The National Minimum Wage has risen by 12.1 per cent in the same period.		• Spending cuts hit the poorest tenth of the population 13 times harder than the richest tenth.
• Seventy-two per cent of the benefit cuts announced in 2010 will be paid by poor women.
• The number of Housing Benefit claimants in work more than doubled between November 2008 and February 2012.
• Since the recession started, 830,000 permanent full-time jobs have been lost, and half a million new part-time jobs created. The number of people in temporary work because they cannot find a permanent job has risen by 73 per cent. The UK has weaker protection for those in work than Mexico.
• Average earnings shrank by 4.4 per cent last year. Incomes of the directors of FTSE 100 companies rose by 49 per cent.(figures for the financial year up to April 2011)
• Food prices have risen by 30.5 per cent in five years. The National Minimum Wage has risen by 12.1 per cent in the same period.
There's some more stats here, courtesy of the Guardian datablogThere's some more stats here, courtesy of the Guardian datablog
9.35am: Welcome to day two of the Breadline Britain blog.9.35am: Welcome to day two of the Breadline Britain blog.
Today we'll be continuing our investigation into how ordinary Britons are coping (or not coping) with austerity: shrinking incomes, and rising costs, against a backdrop of cuts to services, and benefits.Today we'll be continuing our investigation into how ordinary Britons are coping (or not coping) with austerity: shrinking incomes, and rising costs, against a backdrop of cuts to services, and benefits.
Our coverage of Britain's "cliff edge" working families – up to 3.6 million of whom are at high risk of falling into poverty – is collected in one place: here. Our stories and data posts reveal who these households are, where they live, and how they are coping.Our coverage of Britain's "cliff edge" working families – up to 3.6 million of whom are at high risk of falling into poverty – is collected in one place: here. Our stories and data posts reveal who these households are, where they live, and how they are coping.
This morning we'll be looking at the causes and consequences of living on the cliff edge.This morning we'll be looking at the causes and consequences of living on the cliff edge.
We'll be welcoming two guests to discuss Breadline Britain in an online chat at lunchtime today. Bruno Rost of Experian (which crunched the "risk of poverty" data) and James Plunkett, secretary to the Commission on Living Standards at the Resolution Foundation, will be answering your questions on a live Q&A between 1pm and 2pm.We'll be welcoming two guests to discuss Breadline Britain in an online chat at lunchtime today. Bruno Rost of Experian (which crunched the "risk of poverty" data) and James Plunkett, secretary to the Commission on Living Standards at the Resolution Foundation, will be answering your questions on a live Q&A between 1pm and 2pm.
We also want to hear your experiences of living on the cliff edge, tell us about your experiences, hopes and fears. Leave comments below the line or email me at: patrick.butler@guardian.co.ukWe also want to hear your experiences of living on the cliff edge, tell us about your experiences, hopes and fears. Leave comments below the line or email me at: patrick.butler@guardian.co.uk
Later in the afternoon we'll be launching the second part of Breadline Britain: an investigation into the rising number of children arriving at school hungry.Later in the afternoon we'll be launching the second part of Breadline Britain: an investigation into the rising number of children arriving at school hungry.
Please leave comments below the line or tweet me at @patrickjbutlerPlease leave comments below the line or tweet me at @patrickjbutler