Scheme will give claimants 14 days to justify infringements before benefits are docked after MPs criticise system as overly punitiveAn early warning system for benefit claimants facing sanctions is to be trialled in response to claims that an excessively punitive and bureaucratic system is driving some claimants deeper into poverty. The work and pensions secretary,Iain Duncan Smith, has announced that claimants will be given a “yellow card” 14 days before their benefits are reduced. The warning allows them time to give a estimable reason for failing to meet the commitments they must make in return for getting benefits. Under current rules, and sanctions are applied immediately.
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Source: theguardian.com