In a time when questions around integration and the rule of law are hotly debated, a government-backed job portal has found itself at the centre of controversy—this time, over a job ad for a role within a sharia council.
And let’s just say, many UK politicians are not happy.
Job Posting for Sharia Law Administrator Raises Eyebrows
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has come under fire after its official “Find a Job” website featured an advert for a Sharia Law Administrator.
The position, which offered a salary of £23,500 a year, was listed by the Manchester Community Centre in Didsbury and appeared to involve full administrative support for a local sharia council.
The job listing specified that the ideal candidate should have a degree in sharia law, plus experience working in sharia courts in Muslim-majority countries.
Responsibilities included overseeing all administrative and secretarial tasks related to social and religious activities run by the council.
MPs Demand Immediate Action
MPs across the political spectrum expressed outrage, saying it was completely inappropriate for a UK government platform to help promote a legal system outside the country’s own framework.
Independent MP Rupert Lowe led the charge, writing directly to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall.
In his letter, he described the situation as “alarming” and “disgusting,” accusing the DWP of effectively endorsing a “parallel legal system.”
Lowe didn’t mince words: “Sharia law has no place operating as a recognised legal framework within our country.
It is fundamentally incompatible with British law, and our very way of life.”
He demanded to know how such a listing was approved and urged that it be taken down immediately.
Politicians from All Sides Weigh In
Reform Party spokesperson Zia Yusuf took to social media to express his concern, stating clearly, “There is only one legal system in the UK.
Any attempt to upend or replace it should be illegal.”
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, echoed those sentiments in his typical fiery fashion, claiming this situation reflected a wider trend: “Our country and its values are being destroyed.”
Meanwhile, Conservative MP Peter Bedford said he would be “aghast” if any politician had actually approved the post.
He suggested the issue might lie with the civil service acting independently: “Once again, this is the out-of-control civil service creating and implementing policy contrary to democratic authority. This must stop.”
What the Job Involved
According to the advert, the role was based at the Manchester Sharia Council and would involve managing all sharia-related services on a daily basis.
It also flagged the emotional nature of the work, stating that applicants must be skilled at “boundary-setting” to avoid becoming too emotionally involved in sensitive cases.
One line in particular stood out: “The nature of the work means it is easy to get emotionally involved in certain cases.
Setting boundaries ensures professional lines are not crossed…”
DWP Responds to Backlash
After the story gained traction, the DWP issued a clarification.
A spokesperson emphasised that the job ad had not been created by the government itself, but by an independent registered charity using the free-to-use job portal.
“This is a position being advertised on the Find A Job portal by an independent registered charity and is not within DWP,” the spokesperson explained.
“Find A Job is a free platform to help jobseekers find vacancies with employers from various sectors.”
Bigger Questions About Sharia Councils in the UK
This controversy comes not long after it was revealed that the UK is home to as many as 85 sharia councils—more than any other Western country.
Though not officially recognised by British law, these councils often provide religious rulings on issues like marriage, divorce, and family disputes for Muslim communities.
Still, their existence—and now, a job ad to help run one—has reignited debate over whether sharia principles should be allowed any influence in the UK’s legal or civic structures.
What Comes Next?
While the DWP maintains it had no direct involvement, pressure is mounting for the department to take more responsibility for content hosted on its platform.
MPs like Rupert Lowe and Peter Bedford are calling for tighter oversight, and the public conversation around religious legal systems in the UK is likely to heat up once again.
Whether or not the ad remains online, this latest flare-up underscores the deep divisions and sensitivities surrounding questions of national identity, multiculturalism, and the boundaries of religious freedom in Britain.