Christian campaigners have echoed this week's calls by trades unions to ensure that economic policies in the wake of the recession do not cause further harm to the most vulnerable people.

As the debate on church and welfare continue, the Prime Minister and other senior government figures today host a reception with the winners of the 2008 Faithworks Awards at No 10 Downing Street.

A report looking at the role of the Church of England and other faith communities in public welfare provision has been spun into an attack on government before it has even been published and read, say the researchers behind it.

It's too easy too blame the vulnerable for the failings of public services and the economy, says Savi Hensman. We need a new culture, and both faith groups and secular ones like trades unions can contribute.

The Christian agency Faithworks, which contracts with government and has 20,000 community and church partners, has made a critical response to a report challenging the contribution faith groups make to public service provision.

Proposed public service reforms by the UK government risk discrimination against employees and service users, together with negative effects on social cohesion, says a new report today - focussing on the role of faith-based providers.