This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Can JSA claimants be sanctioned for applying for the wrong sort of jobs?'.

 
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 
Central Freedom of Information Team 
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx 
 
Our reference: FoI 1829 
Date: 13 June 2016 
 
Dear Chris Kelly, 
 
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request received on 11 May 2016. 
 
It may be helpful if we explain the role of the Freedom of Information Act. The Act 
provides a right of access to recorded information held by a public authority like DWP 
(subject to certain exemptions). The Act does not provide that a public authority must 
create new information to answer questions; nor does it provide that a public authority 
give advice, opinion or explanation in relation to issues/policies under question 
 
In cases where a customer does ask a question, rather than request recorded 
information, we do our utmost to provide the recorded information that best answers the 
question. Once the public authority has provided the recorded information or confirmed 
that no such recorded information is held, it has met its obligations under the Act. 
Interpretation of any information provided is left to the requestor. 
 
We have understood your question to relate to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants 
to whom the Jobseekers Act 1995 and Jobseekers Allowance Regulations 1996 apply. 
 
You have asked the following questions which we have answered in turn. 
 
1) Is it possible for a JSA claimant to be sanctioned for applying for the wrong sort of 
jobs? 
 
The information we think best answers your question is in Sections 19, 19A and 19B of 
the Jobseeker’s Act Regulations 1995 (link below), which provides information on the 
reasons a JSA claimant can be sanctioned: 
http://lawvolumes.dwp.gov.uk/docs/a11-0101.pdf 
 
This information is also in Chapter 21 and 34 of the Decision Makers Guide (linked 
below) 
 
Chapter 21 of the Decision Makers Guide 
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/509880/d
mgch21.pdf 
 
 
 
 

 
Chapter 34 of the Decision makers Guide 
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/509890/d
mgch34.pdf 
 
2) If so, could you please tell me how many JSA claimants in the UK have been 
sanctioned for this reason each year for the last 10 years? 
 
There is no recorded information in relation to this question. 
  
3) Could you please provide me with a list of jobs that could result in a sanction if a 
claimant applied for them? 
 
And… 
 
4) Could you please provide me with a list of jobs that a claimant is allowed to apply for 
without any possibility of being sanctioned for doing so?
 
 
There is no recorded information showing a list of acceptable or not acceptable job roles 
which a claimant would or would not receive a sanction after applying for. 
 
5) As you are aware, jobseeker's agreements typically insist that a claimant must apply 
for at least the minimum number of jobs stipulated in their agreement during each 
signing period.   Is it possible, therefore, that claimants could be placed in a no-win 
situation whereby they could be sanctioned if they do not apply for jobs (on the basis 
that they are failing to apply for enough jobs) and could also be sanctioned if they do 
(on the basis that the jobs they have applied for are the wrong sort of jobs)? 
 
Please note that claimants are not routinely asked to apply for a ‘minimum’ number of 
jobs per signing period. The DWP Operational Instructions state: 
 
‘76. Claimants must not be set a minimum number of jobs to apply for each week as 
such a requirement is unenforceable.’ 
 
Full information regarding how to create a claimant commitment is in the DWP 
Operational Instructions. We have attached this information in the document entitled 
Claimant Commitment Operational Instructions. 
 
6) Would the DWP prefer that a claimant prioritise ensuring that they apply for enough 
jobs to meet the number demanded by their jobseeker's agreement (and possibly risk 
being accused of applying for the wrong sort of jobs) or would the DWP prefer that a 
claimant prioritise avoiding applying for the wrong sort of jobs (and risk being accused 
of not meeting the minimum number of applications stipulated in their jobseeker's 
agreement).  Please clarify. 
 
There is no recorded information to show the preferences of the DWP regarding 
whether a claimant should apply for either a particular number of jobs or avoid applying 
 

 
for certain roles. For information detailing how a Work Coach and claimant create a 
claimant commitment and agree on what actions a claimant should undertake, please 
refer to the attached document. 
 
If you have any queries about this letter please contact us quoting the reference number 
above.   
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
 
 
DWP Central FoI Team 
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act 
 
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing freedom-of-
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to: DWP, Central FoI Team,  
Caxton House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NA. Any review request should be submitted within two months of 
the date of this letter.  
 
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information 
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you 
have exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The 
Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF 
www.ico.org.uk/Global/contact_us  or telephone 0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745