Jobseekers face zero-hours contract mandate

Posted By: James

Tuesday 6th May 2014

Benefit claimants are at risk of sanctions if they do not apply for and accept certain zero-hours jobs under the new universal credit system. Currently, people claiming jobseekers' allowance are not required to apply for zero-hours contract vacancies and they do not face penalties for turning them down. The change in policy under universal credit was revealed in the letter from Ms McVey to Labour MP Sheila Gilmore, who had raised the issue of sanctions with her. Ms McVey confirmed that, under the new system, Jobcentre "coaches" would be able to "mandate to zero-hours contracts", although they would have discretion about considering whether a role was suitable. Separately, the Times reports that the government’s Help to Work scheme could see the long-term unemployed working alongside offenders on "forced volunteering" placements.

[Would you like to leave a comment?]