TENS of thousands of families languish in poverty as they are “trapped” between the actions of the UK and Scottish governments, a leading think tank warned today.

The independent Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has argued that split responsibilities between Westminster and Holyrood is failing to tackle unemployment and child poverty.

Scottish government efforts on employability through schemes such as No One Left Behind and Fair Start Scotland were welcomed, but the report notes that take-up falls well short of Scottish government benchmarks.

The aim to help 12,000 parents into sustained employment may require a 200 per cent increase in the number of parents entering work each year, the report said.

In all, just 3 per cent of those looking for work were in Scottish government programmes, a situation IPPR argues is a result of jobcentres being administered by the UK government with a more “punitive” approach.

IPPR director Philip Whyte argued these systems should be joined up and devolved to challenge worklessness and poverty.

He said: “The current system is arguably failing countless people who are trapped between a devolved system that suffers from a lack of scale and a reserved system that is more often punitive than supportive.

“A reformed system, through increased powers, would be the next natural step.

“That’s not just good for individuals, but also good for the economy.”

Welcoming the report, SNP Fair Work Minister Gillian Martin said it “reflects the Scottish government’s long-standing position.”

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “This report is further evidence of the need for greater devolution of employment powers to the Scottish Parliament.

“UK government employment programmes tend to penalise rather than support.

“This approach must be defeated and any Tory government, or incoming UK Labour government, must ensure proper support is in place for those seeking employment.

“This support could be enhanced with the devolution of employment support powers — and in STUC’s view, extended to full employment law — ensuring those seeking work are treated with dignity, respect and supported throughout their journey.”

A UK government spokesperson said: “Jobcentres across Scotland continue to offer personalised support, reflecting people’s skills, circumstances and work history, and since April 2021 they have delivered over 19,000 on-the-job placements so even more people can secure long-term financial security through work.”