A third of children in EU households with parents of a low education level are at risk of poverty, figures show.

In Malta nearly 26 per cent under-18s face poverty, compared with the EU average of 27 per cent

Eurostat, the European statistical agency, found the risk of poverty dropped dramatically in households where parents achieved a high level of education. The figures mapped out the risk of poverty and social exclusion in the EU for 2011.

At least 21 per cent of the Maltese population is at risk of poverty and social exclusion, three points below the EU27 average. In Malta nearly 26 per cent of those under 18 are facing poverty compared with the EU average of 27 per cent. Among the elderly, 21 per cent of those aged 64 and over are at risk of poverty, which is on a par with the EU average.

It classifies those at risk of poverty or social exclusion in three categories: at risk of poverty; severely materially deprived; living in households with very low work intensity.

People classified as at risk of poverty live in a household with disposable income below a threshold set at 60 per cent of the national median.

Severely materially deprived have living conditions constrained by a lack of resources, while people living in households with very low work intensity are those who live with adults who worked less than 20 per cent of their total work potential during the past year.