Poverty among children and pensioners is on the rise in Scotland according to the latest official statistics.

Two thirds of children classed as being in poverty are living in households where someone has a job.

The report shows the rate of children in poverty where someone is in work has increased steadily from 40% in 2007 to 65% last year.

The statistics show that one million people, 19% of the population are living in poverty after housing costs are considered.

Pensioner poverty which had been declining between 1998 until 2009 has begun to rise again but remains low.

Campaigners said it was further proof if needed that action was needed on the underlying causes of poverty.

While the absolute poverty rate for all adults and for children has fallen slightly and remains below 20% the figures show more people in work are living in poverty.

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: ““Last year saw the passing of the Child Poverty Act, and with it came increased hope of a Scotland where people are freed from the grip of poverty.

“But these statistics serve as a wake-up call. They remind us that if we are to achieve the ambitious targets set by the Act then we must take action now to address the factors that are holding people in poverty.”

The Scottish Government said it faces a big challenge to reduce poverty and said the UK Government is making it more difficult.

Angela Constance, Communities, Social Security and Equalities, said: “We know that in the face of UK Government cuts and continuing austerity, which are having a damaging impact on thousands of Scottish households, our actions mean we are fighting poverty with one hand tied behind our back. “But that will not stop us continuing to be determined to tackle poverty and we will publish our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan next week which will deliver strong actions to reduce the number of families living in poverty.”