‘Workfare’ protest targets Primark

OPPONENTS of the Government’s controversial “workfare” work experience scheme will today stage protests outside Primark retail stores in Harrogate and Huddersfield.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Mar 2012, 06:00 BST

A number of companies have already pulled out of the scheme, which offers work experience to the unemployed.

Critics say the scheme amounts to cheap labour and reduced the number of paid posts.

Iain Dalton, Yorkshire organiser of Youth Fight for Jobs, said the scheme encouraged companies to take on unpaid “volunteers” rather than paid workers.

“The unions and unemployed organisations need to build a campaign opposing workfare that demands jobs for all.”

The Harrogate protest will be on Cambridge Street from noon today and the Huddersfield demo is from 12.30 in New Street.

Protests are also planned on budget day, next Wednesday, in Leeds, Hull and Sheffield.

Nobody was available to comment from Primark.