Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Sherlock on 12 November (HL11411), why they continue to use benefit sanctions in the light of the finding of the draft report Impact of Benefit Sanctions on Employment Outcomes, published on 6 April 2024, that "a sanction leads the average claimant to exit less quickly into pay as you earn earnings and to earn less upon exiting."

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Benefit sanctions form part of a wider approach to social security, acting as both a consequence for those who do not meet their work-related requirements without good reason, and as a deterrent to encourage claimants to continue to comply with their obligations.

The analysis in The Impact of Benefit Sanctions on Employment Outcomes: draft report is limited to the impact on those who were sanctioned due to non-compliance with their Universal Credit claimant commitment and excludes any claimants who were not sanctioned. It does not address the deterrent impact of sanctions and therefore does not represent a comprehensive picture of the effectiveness of sanctions within the wider social security system.

Our goal is to ensure that all those who can work should be supported to do so. Our work coaches stand ready to help people to get into work or to move closer to the labour market, depending on their circumstances. And we are investing record amounts in supporting customers to overcome barriers to work whether related to health, skills, childcare or other things that stand in their way.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Baroness Sherlock in the Chamber on 13 November that they will "create a guaranteed job" for eligible young people on Universal Credit for more than 18 months, how they define "guaranteed job"; who will provide it; and whether this means that every eligible young person will be provided with such a job in all circumstances.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced that every eligible young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be offered guaranteed paid work. Participants of the scheme will receive support to take advantage of available opportunities, with the aim of helping them transition into regular employment.

The scheme forms part of the government’s aim to provide targeted support for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.  Further details, including eligibility criteria and the structure of placements, will be confirmed at the Autumn Budget.

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