Mothers and their children could be adversely affected by welfare reforms, according to the Deputy First Minister.
Nicola Sturgeon underlined her concerns at the launch of a Scottish Government analysis paper of the Westminster overhaul.
“It is already clear that the UK Government’s benefit reform programme unfairly impacts on some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” she said.
“However, this report also shows there are adverse consequences for women, particularly mothers and their children, who could be worse off due to Westminster’s welfare cuts.”
The document highlights key reforms including the child benefit freeze, a benefit cap mostly affecting single female households, reduction in the proportion of childcare costs and abolition of the health in pregnancy grant.
The report concludes that the impact goes beyond just welfare reform.
“Women make up the majority of the public-sector workforce, making them more vulnerable to public-sector job cuts, pay freezes and reductions in working hours,” it states.
“Women are more likely to use publicly-provided services, making them more vulnerable to cuts to these services.
“Additionally, voluntary organisations providing services for women and employing women are also likely to see funding cuts.
“As women take on more care responsibilities than men, spending cuts to care and support services are likely to result in additional care burdens for women.”