It couldn’t be clearer: our social security safety net is broken. Instead of being there to support those in need it has become a political tool to demonise and punish. With 15 million people relying on Universal Credit each month, the present system subsidises bad bosses and landlords. Even staff at the Department of Work and Pensions rely on the same social security payments they’re responsible for administering.
Social security isn’t a fringe issue; it’s the reality impacting workers and communities up and down the country.
Unite Community, PCS Union and Disabled People Against Cuts have come together to discuss what a fair and supportive system should look like.
Event details
📅 6 June 2026
📍 Tony Benn House, Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6AY
🚪 Doors open at 10am
⌚11 - 4.30
🎤 AM: Hear from trade unionists, disabled activists, academics
🥪 Lunch
🛠 PM: Workshops delivered by Unite Community, PCS and DPAC
The Speakers are as follows
Keynote Speaker - Fran Heathcote General Secretary PCS
Chair – Martin Cavanagh PCS President
Sharlene Farrugia - PHD student Manchester Met University
Sharon Harding - Unite National Equalities Officer
Ellen Morrison - DPAC Executive and Unite Member
Angela Grant - President PCS DWP Group
Matt Allen - Regional Secretary Unite South West
Accessibility
Tony Benn House has step-free and lift access to the rooms. BSL interpretation will be available for this event. Please indicate if you are a BSL user in the access requirements question so we can ensure the interpreters are in the appropriate workshops.
We are unable to pay travel or accommodation expenses for this event, trade union members should contact their relevant branch for financial support to attend.