Recommendation 6

Sanctions are the sharp end of benefit conditionality. DWP’s own evidence shows that sanctions don’t work, causing people to move more slowly into work and to earn less. While sanctions have a place in the benefits system, there is clear evidence that their current application is not working. A more limited and sensible use of sanctions would go a long way to rebuilding trust in Jobcentres, removing the current stigma attached to them and enabling them to provide genuine employment support. (Conclusion, Paragraph 41)