DWP ordered to release ‘sensitive’ research into effects of benefit sanctions

Internal study was commissioned in 2019 over concerns that sanctions have negative effect on claimants' health and finances

The Department for Work and Pensions has been ordered to release sensitive" research into whether fining benefit claimants is effective in getting them to take a job or work more hours.

The internal DWP study was commissioned in 2019 after a cross party committee of MPs concluded that while there was no evidence benefit sanctions incentivised people to get work, they did have a negative effect on claimants' health and finances.