Unemployment impacts on a quarter of children in London

The figures revealed in the ONS's Regional Trends report show that 23 per cent of children in London live in workless households. This is the highest rate in the UK, where the national average is 15 per cent.

Other areas with above average rates of children in workless households are the north east and north west of England, Wales and the West Midlands, which are all on 18 per cent.

Lack of affordable childcare is a major stumbling block for parents, particularly lone parents, in finding work, said Tim Nichols, press and parliamentary liaison officer at Child Poverty Action Group.

"Parents need more understanding from employers, especially when there are problems with a childcare place, or a child is sick and off school. Too many parents lose their job when these problems lead to a clash between working and looking after their child," he added.

The Regional Trends report also looked at issues such as child health, education and crime. The highest rates of obesity are in urban areas, including inner London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.

The lowest obesity rates were found in Brighton and Hove, Wokingham, Stockport, Sheffield, Windsor and Kingston upon Thames.