Families reliant on benefits are being left behind in the drive to tackle child poverty, the TUC has warned.

In its submission to the government's strategy review on the issue, the union organisation argued that many of the children living in poverty lived in families where a single or disabled parent received income support.

Unless benefits are increased, children will continue to fall below the child poverty line, said the report.

"Making work pay through the tax credit system is raising the quality of life for millions of families but there are always going to be families and children who depend on the benefits safety net," said TUC deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady.

"The net must be strengthened by raising benefits or the government's target to end child poverty will not be met.

"The TUC believes tax credits should also be increased but there is a responsibility on unions and employers to make sure employees are able to claim what they deserve."