In a letter to the Work and Pensions Committee, the government has responded to concerns over sanctions-
'...automated sanction notifications for JSA and ESA were successfully reintroduced from Monday 23rd November 2015...'
'...at the point of deciding to impose a sanction the Decision Maker will inform the Work Coach. The Work Coach will then attempt to contact the claimant...to arrange an appointment. This will help to ensure that sanctions to not disproportionately affect more disadvantaged customers.'
'Vulnerable claimants- It is a requirement that every claimant commitment is tailored..'
The letter also includes vulnerability guidance.
What we say- You should always encourage clients to apply for hardship payments if they are sanctioned and consider challenging the decision if they have a good reason. Ask for the claimant commitment to be changed if it's not suitable.
Did you know? JSA hardship payments don't have to be paid back whereas under Universal Credit hardship payments do.
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