Benefit Sanctions and Welfare Conditionality: Covid-19

Part of Work and Pensions – in the House of Commons at on 19 October 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mims Davies Mims Davies The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

I hope the hon. Gentleman and his constituents will acknowledge that, despite the reintroduction of conditionality and sanctions, we fully recognise that these are difficult times. New jobs are being created in the digital, green and logistical sectors that can be carried out safely in line with social distancing and public health rules. There is a recognition that in some sectors there will be challenges, while in others there are opportunities, but we will always make sure that jobcentres respond suitably to local alert levels and always set that conditionality in line with individuals, helping them to progress and always listening to them; if they have a good reason and cannot adhere, we will support them and take that individual approach.