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File on 4: Benefit Sanctions

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Benefit Sanctions

20/01/2015

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Benefit Sanctions

Benefit sanctions are aimed at shirkers, but is the system also penalising the vulnerable?

Benefit sanctions are among the reasons for the use of food banks. Allan Urry investigates the sanctions system and asks why so many people feel they have been unfairly penalised.

Benefit sanctions are supposed to be part of a system helping people back to work. But critics say they penalise the vulnerable and are among the reasons for the growing use of food banks. So how fair is the Government's system of withholding state payments for those who don't comply with welfare rules? Allan Urry hears from whistleblowers who allege some JobCentrePlus staff are setting claimants up to fail in order to meet internal performance targets. Why did a recovering amputee lose his benefits because he didn't answer the phone?

Reporter: Allan Urry Producer: Nicola Dowling.

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