Esther McVey gives sanctions evidence

Esther McVey, Minister for Employment gives evidence on benefit sanctions policy

The Work and Pensions Select Committee is holding its final oral evidence session for its inquiry into benefit sanctions policy beyond the Oakley Review.

Link to video

Witnesses

At 9.30am, Wednesday 4 February 2015, Wilson Room, Portcullis House

Department for Work and Pensions:

Rt Hon Esther McVey MP, Minister of State for Employment

Chris Hayes, Director, Labour Market and International Affairs

Purpose of the session

• The session is intended to explore the Government’s position on a range of issues highlighted during the inquiry, including
• The development of benefit sanctions policy and the evidence base
• The Government’s response to the Oakley Review and progress towards implementation of its recommendations
• The setting of appropriate benefit conditions and the sanctions decision-making process
• The culture around conditionality and sanctions within DWP/JCP and the case for an independent review
• Protecting claimants against hardship
• The appropriateness of ESA sanctioning