In the last newsletter we mentioned the new JSA sanctions introduced from 22/10/2012. Here are some more details- 495,000 clients were sanctioned in the last year, the sanctions will be similar to those under Universal Credit, ‘there are three levels of sanctions: low, intermediate, and high. Low level: for failures to undertake specific action as required by a Jobcentre Plus adviser. Sanction will be one month for a first and 3 months for second and subsequent failures. Intermediate level: for failures to actively seek and be available for work. This leads to disentitlement; if the individual makes a new claim then no benefit is payable for up to one month for a first such failure, and 3 months for second and subsequent failures. Highest level: such as refusing to accept a reasonable job offer, or leaving employment voluntarily without good reason,not performing mandatory work activity ). Currently claimants face a sanction of anywhere between 1 week and 6 months. The revised sanctions will be for a fixed period that will increase for those who have a history of failing to meet their requirements: 3 months for a first failure, rising to 6 months for a second failure (within a year of the previous failure), and 3 years for a third sanction’. Click here for the new regulation. And DWPguidance.