Universal Credit claimants who have had sanctions imposed on them take longer to move into work and earn less than those who have not been sanctioned, the Department of Work and Pension's own figures show.
The DWP published a report this month, written in 2020, which shows that the sanctions regime has fallen short of expectations if its purpose was to help move people off benefits and into paid work. In fact, the report shows that sanctioned claimants earn an average of £34 a month less when they do eventually move into PAYE work.
Sanctions are a reduction in Universal Credit when a claimant does not carry out tasks as requested by the DWP or Jobcentre. The DWP Understanding Universal Credit website says: "In return for receiving Universal Credit you will need to do certain things. If you are able to prepare or look for work, this will include attending appointments with your work coach. These can take place by phone, video call or in person at a Jobcentre.
