Benefit Sanctions and Welfare Conditionality Covid-19 2020-10-19
2020-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the effectiveness of resuming benefits sanctions and welfare conditionality amid rising unemployment due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of resuming (a) benefits sanctions and (b) welfare conditionality during increased levels of unemployment as a result of the covid-19 outbreak?
Evidence suggests that active labour market policies can be even more effective during recessions. We will continue to encourage claimants to prepare and look for work where it is safe to do so. Claimants will not be subject to conditionality until they have agreed a new or updated claimant commitment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific evidence on the effectiveness of sanctions and conditionality during increased unemployment.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted significant increases in unemployment and furloughed workers in Liverpool, questioning the government's evidence on the benefits of reintroducing sanctions and welfare conditionality.
There are a further 27,000 people on furlough in our closed hospitality sector who will either be let go or have to survive on 67% of their wages come November. With benefits sanctions being reintroduced and welfare conditionality being reinstated, what evidence do the Government have that this is benefiting claimants and preventing a return to the high unemployment of the '80s?
I stress to the hon. Lady that sanctions are only used when claimants fail to meet their conditionality requirements without good reason. As I said in my previous responses, work coaches will work to ensure that any requirements set are reasonable, taking into account the claimant's circumstances and, crucially, the situation in the local labour market, while allowing them to adhere also to public health advice.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific evidence or data on the effectiveness of sanctions and conditionality.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted an increase of 3,000 unemployment claims in Manchester and suggested that more supportive measures are needed rather than punitive ones.
In Manchester, Withington there are 3,000 more people needing to claim unemployment benefits than this time last year, and unemployment is rising and will get worse at the end of the furlough scheme, so there are not 3,000 jobs for those people to go to. Suspending sanctions and welfare conditionality was the right thing to do in the crisis, but we are still in that crisis. Does the Minister not accept that we need to be more supportive and less punitive at the moment?
I hope the hon. Gentleman and his constituents will acknowledge that, despite the reintroduction of conditionality and sanctions, we fully recognise that these are difficult times. New jobs are being created in the digital, green and logistical sectors that can be carried out safely in line with social distancing and public health rules.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether the government should remain more supportive rather than punitive.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned government policy on reinstating benefit sanctions against expert advice, amid rising unemployment and business closures.
In July, the Government chose to reinstate benefit sanctions and conditionality, against the advice of experts. We are now in the covid second wave, with businesses closing, unemployment rising and vacancies halved since March, but last week the Government said that the clinically extremely vulnerable and those they live with could have their benefits cut if they refuse a job that puts them at risk from the virus. Is that really the Government's policy? Is it not time to end the threats and re-suspend benefit sanctions, or are we no longer in this together?
I understand the hon. Lady's point, but if someone cannot work and must stay at home, there are ways of getting additional support, and I would urge anybody concerned to use the benefits calculator on gov.uk. I again remind the House that work coaches will always work to ensure that requirements are reasonable, always taking into account the claimant's circumstances and the situation in the local labour market, and continuing to adhere to public health advice.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether sanctions would be suspended or re-imposed during the second wave.
Under Review
Response accuracy