August 2017
What: Research using DWP data, shows that some groups of unemployed claimants (younger people, men, and people from ethnic minorities) are at substantially higher risk of experiencing a jobseekers allowance (JSA) sanction. Findings include that “independent of age and gender, White claimants were less likely to be referred for a sanction, and less likely to ultimately receive a sanction, than were claimants from other ethnic groups. Black claimants and claimants of Mixed ethnicity were generally more likely than claimants from other groups to be referred and sanctioned. These ethnic differences were largest for the group most at risk of sanctions overall: 18-24 year old men” (p.19).
Why significant: Evidence suggesting different forms of discrimination within the sanctions regime, including anti-black racism.