Over 6000 people sanctioned for refusing work

New figures released from the Department for Work and Pensions show that in just one year since the sanctions regime was introduced over 6,000 people have been sanctioned for not taking part in mandatory work.

6,230 job seekers who refused to participate in work experience lost their Jobseekers Allowance for a fixed short term period, with increased sanctions for repeated refusal to participate.

Harriett Baldwin commented:
“We want our people to rise so Britain can rise. That's why we are reforming welfare. We are clear: you have to seek work and take work – or you will lose your benefit.

“This shows we are on the side of the strivers, the people who work hard and want to get on in life”.