The Welfare Conditionality research project has welcomed today’s report from the Commons Work and Pensions select committee. The report calls for an independent review of benefit sanctions. It also calls for a series of evaluations of the effectiveness of sanctions. In evidence to the committee our project called for easing of sanctions and increased attention to support within the system. Read our submission here.

Our project is interviewing service users, practitioners and policy makers to uncover the effects of sanctions and support over time. It will examine both how effective the regime is in changing people’s behaviour, and whether the current approach is justified. Read more about our work.