Public relations body investigating DWP fake welfare claimants leaflet
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Version 0 of 1. The industry body for public relations has launched an investigation following the production of a government leaflet which featured invented quotes from two non-existent claimants talking up their experiences of the benefits system. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) said it had written to all of its members who work at the Department for Work and Pensions to find out whether they had played any part in putting the leaflet together. Sarah Pinch, the CIPR’s president, said: “Falsely creating the impression of independent, popular support is a naive and opaque technique which blatantly disregards the CIPR’s standards of ethical conduct. It is deeply disappointing if public relations professionals allowed it to be published.” The official document was pulled on Tuesday after the DWP admitted it had made up supposed benefits claimants “Sarah” and “Zac”. A spokesman said the leaflet was produced in-house by its “communications team”. Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, did not have any knowledge of its production, according to departmental sources. Related: DWP admits inventing quotes from fake 'benefits claimants' for sanctions leaflet In the leaflet, “Sarah” was quoted as saying she was happy she had been prompted to complete her CV after some of her benefits were withdrawn. “Zac” said he avoided having his benefits cut because he was able to prove he had a hospital appointment that clashed with a meeting scheduled with his “work coach”. The first edition of the document included pictures of the two non-existent welfare claimants, which the DWP admitted were stock photos in a response to a freedom of information request from the news website Welfare Weekly. A second edition had “Sarah” and “Zac” shown in silhouette, but retained their fictitious accounts. It was taken down from the department’s website on Tuesday evening amid a hail of criticism. The CIPR, which represents and regulates public relations professionals, is responsible for enforcing its code of conduct and can convene tribunals that have the power to expel any members found to have committed the most serious breaches. It can also issue reprimands and suspensions of membership, as well as negotiating settlements where possible. A spokesman said it would await responses from DWP staff before deciding what action to take. She added: “All CIPR Members are publicly accountable for the standard of their professional conduct, and the conduct of those under their management. This accountability is a valuable asset to the public, to members and to those who employ them. “Honest regard for the public interest, delivering reliable and accurate information, and never misleading clients, employers or others are vital components of proper professional practice. Any CIPR member found to be breaking any of our ethical principles, will be held accountable for their actions.” The use of the fake claimants was criticised by Labour’s leadership candidates. Andy Burnham said the DWP had been “caught red-handed”, while both Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall said Duncan Smith should apologise. Jeremy Corbyn said the saga showed “how out of touch the Tories are”. The DWP did not respond to a request for comment. |