The Minister for Employment (Esther McVey)
In September 2013 Matthew Oakley was commissioned to undertake the independent review of the operation of jobseeker’s allowance sanctions validated by the Jobseekers Act 2013, as required by that Act. His report is published later today and I will publish alongside it the Government’s response.
The Oakley report says that
“Benefit sanctions provide a vital backstop in the social security system for jobseekers”
and there is clear evidence that sanctions are effective.
The Government are, however, far from complacent and I believe it is important to improve the system so it continues to work effectively. I have already started to make improvements and will build on this work through the recommendations that Matthew Oakley has made within his review.
The Government welcome and accept all his recommendations.