Liverpool job centre staff have reportedly refused to take part in a TV show promoting the reputation of Universal Credit.

A leaked memo revealed bosses at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are planning a large-scale PR campaign in a bid to 'bust myths' about the controversial benefits programme.

Details of the leaked memo first emerged in a Guardian column and were verified by Mirror Online.

The memo explains the DWP is working with BBC2 on a new documentary series, which will be filmed inside three jobcentres.

But according to The Guardian, the programme has already run into problems.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

At one of the nominated job centres, in Toxteth , the PCS note explains that: "It is our understanding that there have been no volunteers to take part in the filming.”

The newspaper reports that an internal note from the Public and Commercial Services Union explains that staff are unhappy about being identified on screen.

A DWP spokesman refused to comment directly on the memo, but said: "It’s important people know about the benefits available to them, and we regularly advertise Universal Credit.

“All our advertising abides by the strict guidelines set by the Advertising Standards Authority.”

The leaked memo focuses on 'negativity and scaremongering' that DWP bosses believe is discouraging people from accessing help.

Since UC started to be rolled-out across Merseyside there have been countless stories of vulnerable and struggling residents made to wait for significant periods before being given support.

Other cases saw claimants being incorrectly sanctioned and left unable to put food on the table.

These issues have been reflected across the country - and the new DWP chief Amber Rudd has admitted that the policy is driving people to use foodbanks.

Despite all this, the DWP appears to be placing the blame for UC's damaged reputation with the press - and is planning a costly, taxpayer funded advertising campaign to address it.

(Image: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

The memo reveals chiefs have planned a "regular feature" in the Metro newspaper lasting more than nine weeks to “myth-bust the common inaccuracies reported on UC”.

It is due to launch this month with a full front page advert and four-page advertorial to "explain what UC is and how it works in reality" and follow a day in the life of a work coach, the memo said.

The memo said “the features won’t look or feel like DWP or UC – you won’t see our branding, and this is deliberate.

"We want to grab the readers’ attention and make them wonder who has done this ‘UC uncovered’ investigation.”

The memo added: "We hope this provides a timely rebuttal to some of the negativity we see, and it is part of our more confident, front-footed strategy to tackle misconceptions and improve the reputation of UC."

Show more

It states: "We have just signed a contract with the BBC to allow them to do more extensive filming inside some of our jobcentres around the country," before stating what a 'fantastic opportunity' this will be and how the department has 'been involved in the process from the outset.'

With the volume of accounts of hardship and problems associated with Universal Credit around this city, it is perhaps understandable that staff may not want to be associated with a programme looking to boost the profile of such a divisive and criticised policy.