Anti-workfare campaigners protest over work scheme

Anti-workfare campaigners were today planning to demonstrate in Leith against companies and charities taking part in the UK Government’s Work Programme.

They want all employers to pull out of the programme and similar schemes, some of which critics claim force sick and disabled claimants to carry out indefinite unpaid work placements.

The protest, organised by the Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty, is part of a UK-wide day of action. Demonstrators were due to converge on the Kirkgate centre at noon.

They said last their demonstration there saw the British Heart Foundation furniture store shut down for over two hours. BHF has now announced it is withdrawing from the Work Programme.