The 'Right to work' campaign, against the government's unpaid workfare scheme, are backing a demonstration in Wigan this weekend that will target the company responsible for the Jubilee stewards who were paid nothing, or the bare minimum, and forced to sleep outside.
The demonstration will take place in Wigan, where Close Protection UK are based. Meeting at 1pm at the St. Johns Methodist Church on Market Street, Hindley in Wigan, the protest will march to the company's offices.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, has warned that although the incident over the weekend was serious, it is symptomatic of a problem that is ongoing all over the country:
This case has attracted attention because of its link to the Diamond Jubilee. Sadly low-paid vulnerable employment such as this occurs on a daily basis throughout the country. The number of involuntary temporary workers is at a record high. These are not the jobs that will take Britain out of recession and improve people’s living standards.’
The treatment of stewards during the Jubilee weekend has enraged the public and politicians alike. Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has reportedly written to Home Secretary Teresa May calling for an inquiry into the use of unpaid workers and apprentices, and has raised concerns about Close Protection UK's involvement in the London Olympics.
As well as the demonstration this Saturday, 'Right to work' have also announced that they will protest on June 20 when the latest unemployment statistics are released.
