17 November 2023 , 09:58
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Benefit claimants who fail to find work face tougher crackdowns and sanctions under new measures planned by the Government.
At present, job seekers can already have their payments reduced or cut entirely if they do not meet requirements to look for work and other activities set out by the Jobcentre. But Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled new proposals yesterday as part of the Government's Back to Work Plan - a key part of next week's Autumn Statement - with Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride.
It means the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be able to come down harder on those who are fit for work but not looking for employment. The plans are part of aims to get 1.1 million people back into the workforce, but are still subject to Parliamentary approval. Mel Stride, said: “Our message is clear: if you are fit, if you refuse to work, if you are taking taxpayers for a ride – we will take your benefits away.”
But Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Sarah Olney said the Government "fails to understand that thousands of people with health conditions, disabilities and on long-term sick leave are desperate to get back to work". She added: "It's this Conservative Government's failure to tackle NHS waiting lists that's stopping them. This announcement does absolutely nothing for these people."
Here are the key points you need to know:
8 money changes coming in February including Universal Credit and passport fees
Universal Credit claim reviewed after 18 months
Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for longer than 18 months will have their claims reviewed and a work coach will decide what further work search conditions they will have to undertake. If a claimant refuses to accept these new conditions without good reason, their Universal Credit claim will be closed.
Work experience for long-term unemployed
Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for longer than 18 months will be required to accept a job or undertake work experience. Those who refuse will face sanctions and their benefits stopped.
No access to free NHS prescriptions or legal aid
Universal Credit claims claiming only the standard allowance who have been sanctioned for more than six months will have their claims closed. They would lose their access to free prescriptions and legal aid, unless they reapply for their benefits.
Attendance at job fairs and interviews will be tracked
Digital tools will be used to "track" attendance at job fairs and interviews. This means the Government will be checking if job seekers are sticking to their commitments.