Draws on four research reports to examine the extent and causes of cycles of poverty. Discusses the causes of recurrent poverty and the relationship between cycles of income and worklessness. Describes the types and extent of recurrent poverty in Britain and shows the changing composition of households experiencing income poverty, financial strain and material deprivation according to the particular pattern of poverty dynamics. Addresses the factors affecting the risk of recurrent poverty, including those that create the low-pay/no-pay cycle, and those affecting job insecurity and low pay in companies. Considers the implications of the research findings for policy and practice. (The four reports are: 'How can parents escape from recurrent poverty?' (PLANEX Ref. B15021); 'Employers' role in the low-pay/no-pay cycle' (PLANEX Ref. B15071); 'Better off working? Work, poverty and benefit cycling' (PLANEX Ref. B15070); and 'Recurrent poverty: the impact of family and labour market changes' (PLANEX Ref. B15072)).