To examine the relationship between low pay and family poverty in Northern Ireland. Three conceptual models were of particular interest: dual/segmented labour markets; the reserve army of labour; and, the social division of welfare. Variables These include: family characteristics (size, ages, marital status); background factors (area, religion, housing type); economic variables (industry, occupation, pay, employment type, subjective and peer group skill assessment); occupational benefits, welfare benefits, and, - limited - fiscal benefits; family income (in pounds and as a percentage of potential unemployed income). Attitudinal data including future expectations, respondents' comparisons of own pay with probable reference groups' pay, and their evaluations of work prospects.