Budget 2015 has left the top 10% of earners better off, while those earning least will fare the worst, according to a new report from the ESRI.

Smaller losses will be experienced by most middle income households, with small percentage gains for higher income households. The greatest gain will be close to 0.5% for the top 10% of households.

The study looked at the effect every budget since 2009 has had on the income of families.

High and low income families have been hardest hit by budgets since 2008.

The research shows incomes in the lowest ten percent experienced losses of close to 13% while the top earners have seen losses of about 15.5%.

Analysis at family unit level revealed that the greatest proportionate losses imposed by Budgets 2009 to 2015 were for single unemployed people, while the lowest losses were for pensioners. 

The analysis focuses on the impact of changes in tax, welfare and public sector pay.

Speaking about the findings, Dr. Tim Callan, said "“Families at all income levels and of all types have seen income losses due to budgets over the last 7 years. Single unemployed people without children have been the hardest hit, while retired singles and retired couples have been the least affected”.

He also stated that there is a misconception that middle income households are hardest hit: