THOUSANDS of children in West Somerset are living below the poverty line, according to new statistics published by End Child Poverty.

The figures show that after housing costs are considered (including outgoings such as rent, council tax and gas and electric bills), a total of 5,625 (or 26%) of children in West Somerset were classed as being in child poverty between October and December 2013 – the latest period for which data is available.

A total of 4,032 of these children (72%) come from families with parents in employment (4,032) while 1,593 (or 28%) come from families with parents out of work Terry Keefe, regional officer for Unite – a national union which represents employers and potential employers – said he was “unsurprised” by the figures.

He said: “Many employers are paying minimum wage which you cannot live on. “Lots of people are working on zero-hour contracts where there is no guarantee of work.

"Many people are underemployed and they simply can’t afford to get by and support their families.”

Christine Payne, coordinator of West Somerset Food Cupboard (WSFC) said: “We send more food parcels to families in employment than we do for families who are unemployed.

“The problem is, around the area, a lot of people work on zerohour contracts so the number of hours they work varies, so they don’t have a permanent salary so they can’t budget – they are spending money just to get by.

“Children need food and without it, it can affect their education because they are too tired to learn.”

By the end of 2014, Christine predicts that WSFC will have distributed 1,500 parcels – in 2013 it distributed 1149.

According to the End Child Poverty report, the area in West Somerset most affected is Dunster, with 44.33% of children living in poverty, followed by Alcombe East, Minehead (41.55%).

Brompton Ralph and Haddon are least affected (14.08%).

End Child Poverty is a campaign group made up over 150 organisations including children’s charities, child welfare organisations and social justice groups.