4 August 08 – Publication of DWP research report 511: The effects of benefit sanctions on lone parents's employment decisions and moves into employment

Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions (Report 511) presents findings from a piece of qualitative research which was commissioned to explore the effects of benefit sanctions on employment decisions and moves into employment amongst lone parents referred for a sanction .

The research explored the personal circumstances and experiences of a small number of lone parents claiming Income Support who had been referred for a benefit sanction. The research included an exploration of financial and other impacts, such as the impact on health and emotional well-being. Attitudes and behaviours towards finding work in response to a benefit sanction were also investigated.

The majority of lone parents on Income Support (over 95%) do attend their Work Focused Interview (WFI) and the sanctions regime is effective in persuading lone parents to comply with this requirement.

The main findings are:

• There is no evidence in this study to suggest that WFI non-compliance is an active decision. Lone parents in the study reported that other issues made it difficult to attend (for example health problems), or that they had simply forgotten about the appointment. The study found that the sanctions regime did generally encourage lone parents to attend their WFIs.
• The research found a low awareness of having been referred for a sanction; many lone parents in the sample did not understand why their benefit had been reduced and some did not realise that a reduction had been applied.
• Most lone parents in the study found the WFI useful, particularly the 'better off in work calculations', and considered the sanction regime reasonable. However, some criticised the repetitive nature of the WFI regime, particularly if their personal circumstances did not change over time.
• Some Jobcentre Plus staff noted issues with the WFI letters to lone parents, specifically that they constituted a barrier to customers attending WFIs; staff raised issues of customer literacy problems, language barriers and mental health issues.
• Lone parents and Jobcentre Plus staff in this study did not feel that sanctions had an impact on labour market behaviour, but that sanctions did encourage attendance at WFIs, which is their main objective.
• Most of the lone parents in the sample reported debt, particularly social fund loans, and many were unsure as to the amount of benefit they should receive.
• Lone parents in the sample who were living with a sanction often reported complex and challenging domestic circumstances (including higher levels of debt and greater ill-health) and financial disorganisation (less likely to check the accuracy of benefit payments).

Notes to Editors

This report provides qualitative research findings exploring the personal circumstances and experiences of a small number of lone parents claiming Income Support who had been referred for a benefit sanction. The research included depth interviews with a small number of lone parents and focus groups with Jobcentre Plus staff. The report was produced by an independent research organisation – the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Northumbria.

Research Report 511 – The effects of benefit sanctions on lone parents' employment decisions and moves into employment - is published on 4 August 2008. The report is available on the DWP website and hard copies can be obtained from Paul Noakes, Room 4-26, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.

DWP Press Office 020 3267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/