Jobseeker’s directions and sanctions

There have been a number of changes to the rules about the conditions you have to meet in order to remain entitled to JSA and the penalties that can be imposed if you do not meet those conditions.

These amendments are part of the preparation for Universal Credit. Thiswhich will bring together the main working age benefits and introduce common rules about conditionality and the sanctions that may be applied if you fail to carry out a required action.

A new JSA sanction regime was introduced on 22 October 2012. If you are claiming JSA, you may have a sanction applied in a number of different circumstances. You might be sanctioned if you:

• left your job voluntarily, lost your job due to misconduct or you fail to apply for or accept a job;

• fail to show that you are available for work and actively seeking work;

• fail to attend a compulsory training or employment scheme;

• fail to carry out a direction from a Jobcentre Plus (JCP) personal adviser.

In certain circumstances, your JSA may be disallowed entirely — for example, if you are found not to be actively seeking work. This brings your JSA claim to an end and you will have to make another claim in order to requalify for JSA.