Report shows 1 in 6 sanctioned last years
Yesterday the Guardian published a story claiming that 1 in 6 people (16.7%) have their Jobseeker's Allowance stopped every year - up from 14% the year before.
The Guardian's figures vastly contradict the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP's) own statistics that say only 6% of claimants are sanctioned (i.e. have money stopped).
Review of sanctions needed
Last month, the Government’s own official policy board (the Social Security Advisory Committee) called for a review of the sanctions process and said there was no evidence that the system actually helped people get into work. This followed a cross party MPs report in March, which also called for an independent review - and said the current punitive punishments system affects jobseekers when they are in an extremely vulnerable situation, adding stress and anxiety to families and children.