2008 crash hit more people than traditional

The recession affected far more families than those historically at risk of poverty and disadvantage, according to new research.

An analysis of its impact by the ESRI found that by 2011-12, it had spread beyond the most economically vulnerable traditionally, such as lone parents and the poorly educated, to couples with families and higher levels of education.

This change in the profile of families at risk and the growth in numbers affected was driven by loss of employment and earnings during the recession, making economic vulnerability “more widespread” and impacting “not only a larger group, but a more diverse group than those historically at risk of disadvantage and poverty”.