Sanctions regime slanting jobless figures - MP

BENEFIT sanctions are being used to skew unemployment figures says Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams.

The MP says a new study found 43 per cent of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants sanctioned leave the allowance system and are removed from unemployment statistics. Around 80 per cent of JSA leavers don’t do so because they have found work.

Mrs Abrahams, who sits on the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) select committee, said: “Academics have shown this Government has developed a culture where Jobcentre Plus staff are expected to harass and sanction claimants using unjust and potentially fraudulent reasons to get them off benefits.

“According to an increasing number of whistleblowers, tactics include making appointments for claimants they don’t tell them about, then imposing sanctions when they fail to attend. Sanctions are for a minimum of one month and JSA and housing benefit stop straight away.

“It allows the Government to skew data and create the illusion they’re bringing down unemployment even though evidence shows very few ex-claimants are finding work.

“In Oldham, we know 65 per cent of people using the foodbank are there because they’ve been sanctioned. The Government doesn’t care about the effect these appalling tactics have on people. Many suffering under the sanctions are sick and disabled.”

Today sees the final session of the DWP inquiry into the use of sanctions, initiated by Mrs Abrahams.