Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is to announce this week that 120,000 benefit claimants could see their payments reduced if they fail to work up to 15 hours a week, meet regularly with their work coach and take active steps to increase their earnings. The news comes amid an announcement that will outline new changes to Britain's welfare system.
The expansion in required working hours is an increase from the 12-hour threshold and will bring an additional 120,000 benefit claimants into the Intensive Work Search Regime. With more than 1.2 million job vacancies across the UK, Work Coaches are to set 'clear expectations' with claimants, ensuring they stick to their commitments, which could include applying for jobs, attending interviews or increasing their hours.
And those who don’t fulfil their job-search commitments without good reason could have their benefits reduced in line with existing benefit sanctions policy. Certain groups will remain exempt from sanctions, including people who are unable to work due to long-term sickness or a disability.
