Times Reports DWP Contractors Forced to Sign Gagging Clauses

The Times reports that firms working with claimants of universal credit claimant have had to sign contracts with publicity clauses preventing them from criticising Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.

22 companies and charities engaging in the £1.8bn worth of contracts in the sector must agree to "not do anything which may attract adverse publicity", and "pay the utmost regard to the standing and reputation" of the minister. Further reporting from the Times on the contracts can be read here.

McVey had earlier admitted that some claimants would be worse off under the universal credit system.

In other news, it has been disclosed that MPs and their staff called an immigration enforcement hotline 68 times last year. The news was revealed following a written questions from Labour MP David Lammy. Of the 68 calls, 34 came from Conservatives, 32 from Labour, one from the DUP and one LIb Dem.

A pledge has been signed by over 100 MPs in response, outlining a commitment not to inform on constituents. Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams argued that MPs reporting cases to the authorities "would break the trust between MPs and their constituents."

A statement from other MPs noted that "Like any member of the public, an MP may decide to contact the Home Office to report suspected immigration offences just as he or she would be expected by most constituents to report any suspected illegal activity, not least because that is an obligation we all have."

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