The DWP has now denied its own claims that it plans to automate the sanctions process and to allow work coaches to apply sanctions.
A government briefing paper shared by Torsten Bell claimed that:
“Changes to Universal Credit will include . . . Strengthening the application of the Universal Credit sanctions regime. This includes additional training for Jobcentre Work Coaches to ensure they are applying sanctions effectively, including for claimants who do not look for or take up employment, and automating administrative elements of the sanctions process, including sending automated messages to claimants who fail to meet their Work Coach and take active steps to move into work or increase their earnings.”
The news was greeted with dismay by the PCS union, which represents DWP staff, who argued that it represented a “massive attack on claimants” and “a ‘computer says no culture”.
However, the DWP now claim that the only part of the process that will be automated is the sending out of a referral form to claimants who miss a mandatory appointment and that work coaches will not apply sanctions.
Guy Opperman, minister of state for employment at the DWP, was asked by Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth what his Department's training for Work Coaches on sanctions would entail. In a written statement at the end of March he replied that:
“There are no plans to automate either decision making or the application of the sanctions regime which will continue to be undertaken by Work Coaches and Decision Makers. However, we are automating the creation of the referral form for claimants who miss mandatory appointments. The referral form will then be reviewed by the Work Coach and submitted to the Decision Maker to take the ultimate decision, in the normal way.
“The department is committed to the continuous upskilling of all Work Coaches to ensure a consistent application of sanctions policy and protection of claimants. As with all changes to process that are undertaken, Work Coaches will be provided with guidance and support as required.”
Benefits and Work will keep readers informed about the reality of what is actually happening with sanctions as the truth unfolds over the coming months.
