PCS to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month
With Islamophobia on the rise on the street and in the workplace, conference votes for PCS to promote Islamophobia Awareness Month in November
Islamophobia is the unfounded fear of, or prejudice or hatred towards, Islam and Muslims - and even perceived Muslimness.
Because a large percentage of the PCS membership is Muslim, it is important, conference was told, that we use this month to recommit ourselves to challenging the rhetoric, ideologies and individuals associated with anti-Muslim hate, a societal evil which we all must work together to root out.
This year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month will take place between 1 and 30 November 2025.
Speaking in support of the motion to mark this month, Mohammed from DWP Greater Manchester branch argued that Islamophobia Awareness Month is timely as we’ve seen a dramatic rise in Islamophobic hate crimes, especially since Israel commenced its genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Mohammed, who is also the chair of the national Black members' committee, expressed his pride at the recent Holocaust Memorial Day online event and the union’s consistent condemnation of antisemitism.
“You can’t be anti-racist if you turn a blind eye to Islamophobia and anti-semitism,” he said. “I am proud to be part of a movement that is consistently anti-racist.”
Racist attacks
A Muslim delegate, Nasrin from DWP Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire branch, told conference that she and her siblings experienced racist attacks growing up. She pointed out that her father fought with Britain in World War II but received no war medals like his white Christian colleagues.
“He would be turning in his grave at what his children and grandchildren are still experiencing today in the UK,” she said.
Austin from the Ministry of Justice and Associated Offices said that he has represented many Muslim members in discrimination cases. His requests with management for workplace sessions on Islamophobia have also been rejected.
“We are now rising up with our Muslim brothers and sisters everywhere,” he said, noting his pride that he has been “getting more Muslim members active in the union”.
The motion instructed the national executive committee (NEC) to plan members' events across the month in consultation with the national Black members committee and to produce materials for branches to challenge prejudices and stereotypes about Muslims and Islam.
Speaking on behalf of the NEC, Chris said that “naming the problem is the first step in tackling it” as Islamophobia poses “an existential threat to many of our members.”
The “best antidote to antisemitism and Islamophobia, he added, is “cross-community unity” against all forms of racism and discrimination.
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