HALF a million people are in “very deep poverty” in Scotland, with statistics showing that women and ethnic minorities are disproportionately at risk.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) State of the Nation study highlighted the scourge of in-work poverty and its disproportionate effects.

About 70 per cent of those “trapped in persistent low pay” were women, while ethnic minorities were three times more likely to be enduring in-work poverty than white workers and a staggering 60 per cent of children in poverty had at least one parent working.

Persistent low pay, the report says, has now been compounded by rocketing housing costs as 110,000 people are “pulled into poverty” as rents and mortgages soar.

The JRF’s Chris Birt said: “Some of our biggest industries are trapping people in low pay, unreliable hours and underemployment.

“At the same time decision-makers are sleepwalking towards another winter that promises to be crushing for households across Scotland.

“The Scottish government will need to react to this in their forthcoming budget but the UK government in particular seems to believe that the cost-of-living crisis is over.

“It is wrong.”

The SNP’s social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical missions for the government.”

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “This report lays bare the sheer horror and impact of poverty that has become far too ingrained within our communities.

“The trade union movement is demanding more, from all levels of government, to support those who need it the most.”

A UK government spokesperson said: “The government’s priorities are clear: the best way to help people in Scotland with the cost of living is by driving down inflation and growing our economy.”