A study of the current benefits sanctions regime by the centre right think tank Policy Exchange has concluded that around 70,000 jobseekers have had their benefits withdrawn unfairly, making them reliant on food banks. The report further suggests issuing first-time offenders, who may or may not have been fairly sanctioned, with a ‘yellow card’ in the form of a benefits card. Benefits would then be accessed via this card for a maximum of eight weeks, and if the claimant continues to breach job search conditions the card and benefits would be taken away.
Pete from PSI: Policy Exchange is a hugely influential think tank under the current Government, often arguing that claimants should not be supported on their journey into work without any conditions attached to their job search.
