Protest Against Universal Credit Pilot Scheme - Ashton Town Hall, Monday 29 April.

"On 29 April, the Universal Credit Pilot starts at Ashton-under-Lyne Jobcentre. PCS believes the introduction of 'conditionality' for those in work, and stricter sanctions for those out of work at this time, are cruel, ineffective, unnecessary and discriminating; the governments preferred option of online claiming discriminates against those with disabilities and those on low incomes. The government target of 80% of Universal Credit being claimed online is unrealistic. We are calling on the government to rethink Universal Credit and develop an approach based on creating jobs as opposed to puishing them for not being able to find jobs."

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), who represent Jobcentre staff, have organised a protest to 'Defend Welfare' and are inviting people to join them on the steps of Ashton Town Hall on Monday 29 April between 12.30 - 1.30 pm. Speakers from PCS, Unite and community campaign groups.


PCS is spearheading a united campaign against welfare cuts alongside other trade unions and charities and will have a week of activities around welfare. It will start with a protest in Ashton-under-Lyne Town Hall (near the Jobcentre Pathfinder) from 12.30pm on 29 April. This Pathfinder is the first trial of Universal Credit (UC).

Throughout the campaign week our members will be able hand out a variety of leaflets to colleagues and the public highlighting the problems of UC and busting myths about welfare.

Our core campaign objectives:

Set out an alternative vision for welfare

Protect public service delivery

Defend members’ jobs from cuts and privatisation

Defend claimants’ rights and entitlements

Bust welfare myths

Coordinate a united campaign.

Join the protest to defend welfare at Ashton town hall steps, Market Place, Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6, on 29 April from 12:30–1:30pm. Please see flyer and circulate wide..

For information and to sign up to the campaign, email welfare@pcs.org.uk

Read and share our pamphlet Welfare: an alternative vision

Find out more about the campaign at pcs.org.uk/welfare