Menu
22/10/2012
New Three Year Sanction For Jobseekers Who Refuse Work
Jobseekers who repeatedly refuse to take up job offers or quit work without good reason face losing their benefit for three years under tougher rules introduced on Monday.
The announcement, to be made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), increases the amount of time by which the jobseeker's allowance can be docked, from a current maximum of six months.
It does not however affect other payments such as housing benefit.
Announcing the rule change employment minister Mark Hoban will say: "Choosing a life on benefits when you're able to work is not an option. These rules send out a clear message to jobseekers. We will offer them the support they need to find work, but in return for receiving benefits they have responsibilities too. People cannot expect to keep their benefits if they do not hold up their end of the bargain."
Under the new rules there will be three levels of sanction. For "low and intermediate level" issues, such as failure to actively look for a job or be available to work, claimants would lose their benefit for one month for the first offence and three months for subsequent events. The higher level of sanction for people who refused a job or left one without good reason would be three months for the first time, six months the second time, and three years subsequently.
(H/CD)
The announcement, to be made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), increases the amount of time by which the jobseeker's allowance can be docked, from a current maximum of six months.
It does not however affect other payments such as housing benefit.
Announcing the rule change employment minister Mark Hoban will say: "Choosing a life on benefits when you're able to work is not an option. These rules send out a clear message to jobseekers. We will offer them the support they need to find work, but in return for receiving benefits they have responsibilities too. People cannot expect to keep their benefits if they do not hold up their end of the bargain."
Under the new rules there will be three levels of sanction. For "low and intermediate level" issues, such as failure to actively look for a job or be available to work, claimants would lose their benefit for one month for the first offence and three months for subsequent events. The higher level of sanction for people who refused a job or left one without good reason would be three months for the first time, six months the second time, and three years subsequently.
(H/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
05 November 2010
UK Property Prices 'Still Falling'
House prices in the three months to October were 1.2% lower than in the preceding three months, according to the Halifax. The financial services provider, part of the Lloyds Banking Group, said prices in October were 2.3% lower than at the end of 2009 on a seasonally adjusted basis (-1.2% unadjusted).
UK Property Prices 'Still Falling'
House prices in the three months to October were 1.2% lower than in the preceding three months, according to the Halifax. The financial services provider, part of the Lloyds Banking Group, said prices in October were 2.3% lower than at the end of 2009 on a seasonally adjusted basis (-1.2% unadjusted).
09 December 2004
UK trade deficit gap widens by 0.9bn
The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services is estimated to have widened by around 0.9 billion in October up from a deficit of £2.9 billion in September to £3.8 billion in October.
UK trade deficit gap widens by 0.9bn
The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services is estimated to have widened by around 0.9 billion in October up from a deficit of £2.9 billion in September to £3.8 billion in October.
09 June 2005
Manufacturing output shows slight upward trend
Figures published today by the Office of National Statistics have shown that between March and April this year manufacturing output rose by 0.9%. While analysts warn that monthly growth rates are "volatile" indicators of productivity, there were nonetheless widespread rises in manufacturing, the most significant being increases in output of 2.
Manufacturing output shows slight upward trend
Figures published today by the Office of National Statistics have shown that between March and April this year manufacturing output rose by 0.9%. While analysts warn that monthly growth rates are "volatile" indicators of productivity, there were nonetheless widespread rises in manufacturing, the most significant being increases in output of 2.
13 August 2003
Unemployment dips to two-year low in UK
The UK’s unemployment rate is now at a two-year low, according to the latest figures released from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Data for the three months to June showed that the unemployment stood at 1.46 million, a fall of 0.1% to 5%.
Unemployment dips to two-year low in UK
The UK’s unemployment rate is now at a two-year low, according to the latest figures released from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Data for the three months to June showed that the unemployment stood at 1.46 million, a fall of 0.1% to 5%.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
