Get a Job - Be Careful!

As he hot debate over benefit sanctions continues, it is being brought to our notice that Jobcentre Plus staff are sanctioning people who have been offered jobs. Obviously after, weeks, months, and sometimes years of the laborious task of job searching - Claimants can easily take the ‘foot off the gas’ as they await the opportunity to start their new position.

At this point many Claimants are finding themselves sanctioned for not doing enough to look for work even though they have got a job! Madness as it may seem to the many people who might assume sanctions were their to correct poor attitudes and errant behaviour. Many who start work find the transition back into work a huge financial challenge. Finding money for fares and living expenses is a very considerable hurdle to many. In fact some would argue it is a barrier to work.

The Conservatives scrapped the back to work bonus shortly after coming to power. We have always thought a bit of 'psyching-up' is need - the new job starting long before that first day in the job.  

Therefore we advise members not to sit back and take it easy, while waiting for that new position to start. A sanction could take away the funds you need to get started in work once more.