DWP Covert Sanction Targets Exposed

SNP MP Challenges Pm On Benefit Sanction "Aspirations"

SNP MP Anne McLaughlin has today challenged the Prime Minister over DWP staff being given "aspirations" for the number of benefits sanctions they impose.

Various allegations of DWP staff being pressured to hit targets for the number of benefit sanctions given out have been made previously and the SNP has consistently called for an immediate halt to all sanctions until a full and independent review of the deeply flawed sanctions regime at the DWP can be carried out.

One of Anne McLaughlin MP's constituents works for the DWP and has said that staff are given "aspirations" on the number of sanctions that should be imposed.

 Commenting, Anne McLaughlin MP said:

"There has long been allegations of DWP staff being under pressure to hit targets for the number of benefit sanctions they slap on the vulnerable but it doesn't matter what you call them - targets fail to take account of the devastating impact the withdrawal of vital welfare payments has to an individual. Benefit sanctions also do nothing to support people into work.

“And now those who are already in work are at risk of sanctions too.  Many DWP staff themselves are paid so little that they receive in work benefits and they too are now at risk of sanctions. The Prime Minister didn’t even attempt to address my question.

"The SNP is committed to fairness and supporting those on the lowest incomes by driving forward a real living wage, tackling unfair working practices and challenging the Tories attack on in work support that keeps local income families above the breadline.

"The SNP has long called for a full root and branch review of the DWP’s conditions and sanctions regime as no-one should be at risk of destitution because their welfare payments have been sanctioned.

"I think the Prime Minister should have some aspirations himself and aspire to actually help people on low incomes instead of unfairly targeting them as part of the Tories' all-out assault on the poor."