Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants now have updated information on the Back to Work schemes and support available to them, as well as the potential repercussions if they fail to uphold their commitments to the benefits system.
The updated guidance also provides new insight into what could lead to your benefits being sanctioned. This penalty reduces or completely halts a person’s benefit payments under certain circumstances.
For Universal Credit and new style JSA claimants, the primary sanctionable offence is not adhering to the promises made in your claimant commitment.
With the five Back to Work schemes now operational, claimants could also face sanctions if they fail to participate in them despite being instructed to do so by their work coach.
If they have a valid reason for not participating, they could preserve their benefits.
However, even if they attend and meet all the requirements for their Back to Work scheme, claimants could still face sanctions based on their behaviour during participation.
The guide highlighted: “If you’re asked to leave a scheme because of gross misconduct, such as stealing, violence or verbal abuse your benefit payments could be sanctioned.”
It went on to explain that the severity of the sanction can vary depending on several factors, including the amount of benefits received and the severity of the offence.
The guide revealed five types of schemes available for jobseekers: training or other help to gain new skills, work experience, work trials, sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPS), or Restart, which provides regular, tailored support to help claimants re-enter the workforce.
Work coaches are able to refer individuals to these schemes to assist their transition from benefits to employment. Additional local support is available through jobcentres, including apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, and in Wales, the ReAct+ scheme for those over 20 who have been made redundant.
Labour’s initiative to get more unemployed people back into work has raised concerns among many, especially those unable to work due to circumstances like disability.
