Birmingham and Coventry National Union of Journalists

Early Day Motion 686: Sanctions At Sparkhill Jobcentre In Birmingham
That this House notes with concern reports that Sparkhill Jobcentre in Birmingham hands out unusually high levels of sanctions; further notes reports that people have inappropriately been given jobseeker's directions, which are supposed to be only for people with a history of non-compliance;

further notes that the practice of making people attend 8:15 am appointments and then sanctioning them for a few minutes' lateness was stopped after it generated negative publicity;

calls on the Government to fully investigate reports of unfair practices at this jobcentre;

draws to the Government's attention cases from around the country of people being sanctioned, even though they informed their jobcentre that they needed to rearrange an appointment to attend a job interview, training appointment or family funeral;

urges the Government to consider how people who want to work are supposed to travel to job interviews, maintain a smart appearance or even feed themselves if the income they rely on to survive is removed for such reasons;

and calls on the Government to use all effective means possible to dramatically reduce the inappropriate use of an increasingly oppressive sanctions regime that seeks to penalise rather than encourage an effective route back into work.

Sponsors:  Godsiff, Roger   -   <>   House of Commons: 06.11.2013