Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 127
127
We did not ask the DWP to comment on its sanctions policy as part of...
Conclusion
We did not ask the DWP to comment on its sanctions policy as part of this inquiry. However, we are aware that it has commented on this matter recently, in response to the House of Lords Economics Affairs Committee’s inquiry into The Economics of Universal Credit. In their response to that Committee’s report, the DWP said: ‘Sanctions can be a useful way to encourage claimants to comply with reasonable and achievable requirements, developed and agreed between the Work Coach and the claimant to prepare for and/or move into work.’323 It goes on to say that the Department has committed to look at further processes such as sending written warnings before actioning sanctions on claimants as well as highlighting its own analysis on conditionality, that highlighted that: ‘72% of claimants agreed that the potential for sanctions meant they were more likely to conduct work search.’324
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Work Coaches will continue to work with claimants to ensure claimant commitments are reasonable for claimants’ circumstances and allow them to continue to adhere to the Covid-19 public health advice in force in the relevant part of the UK. DWP will continue to encourage claimants to prepare and look for work. Employers are obliged to have a safe working environment. Where a claimant has failed to meet their requirements, DWP will look at any evidence of good reason, including whether they are self-isolating or have ad-hoc responsibilities due to Covid-19, when considering if a sanction is warranted. A claimant can request an explanation of a sanction at any time. If a claimant disagrees with a decision, they can ask for the decision to be reconsidered and subsequently can appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal. Those who are sanctioned can apply for hardship payments to ensure they can cover their essential needs.