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Sanctions regime ‘makes it harder to get a job’

21 January 2015

As the Commons select committee inquiry into benefit sanctions meets for its second evidence session today Citizens Advice has called for an end to the minimum four week sanction.

In 2014 Citizens Advice Bureaux have helped people with and average of almost 1,300 JSA sanction issues every month.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“The current sanctions regime can make it harder for people to get a job. Often people seeking help from Citizens Advice have been sanctioned without warning, and for reasons they don't understand. The minimum four week sanction means many then have to stop their job search while they find the money for everyday costs. Citizens Advice helps people who have been pushed into debt or are going without essentials like food or heating

“An effective sanctions arrangement does have a role to play in the welfare system, but it mustn’t be a barrier to people finding work. There needs to be a transparent system which sets appropriate work search requirements, takes into account people’s personal situation and if needed applies appropriate sanctions. The sanctions model used in the Universal Credit system is far more responsive to people’s circumstances. We urge the Government to implement this sanctions system for all JSA claimants.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.