A PROTEST over a government scheme at Tesco turned into a victory parade yesterday (Feb 22).

The picket, organised by the Lewisham Right to Work campaign group, took place at the Tesco Express store in Lewisham Way.

It was held due to the company’s involvement in the workfare scheme, where people are given temporary jobs in exchange for their Jobseeker's Allowance and expenses.

But even before the protest was held, one of several nationally, the company appeared to have backed down, announcing the workers would be paid if they wanted, with the offer of a permanent job at the end.

Organiser Rhys Williams said: “It was more of a victory thing, but at the same time we still wanted to highlight there are several more employers who are part of this scheme.”

He said: “It’s slave labour, essentially. It’s forcing people to work for nothing for their Jobseeker's Allowance .

“The companies involved pay them nothing and get free labour.

“It really shouldn’t be happening in a civilized society.”

Employment minister Chris Grayling has dismissed critics of the scheme as “job snobs”.

But Mr Williams said: “We’re not against people being employed there, we’re against them not being paid for it.”

In a statement, Tesco chief executive Richard Brasher said: "We know it is difficult for young people to give up benefits for a short-term placement with no permanent job at the end of it.

“So this guarantee that a job will be available provided the placement is completed satisfactorily, should be a major confidence boost for young people wanting to enter work on a permanent basis."