HC Deb 03 December 1974 vol 882 cc406-7W
58. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has considered the case brought to his notice by the hon. Member for Shrewsbury of a man who refused to take up employment which he had accepted because he had been subsequently advised by the Department of Employment that he would only be worse off by 75p per week if not working; and what is the normal action of his Department in such cases.

Mr. John Fraser

My information is that no such advice was given. If there is evidence of a benefit claimant neglecting to avail himself of suitable employment the normal action taken by my Department is to refer the matter to the independent adjudicating authorities, who could disqualify him from the receipt of benefit for up to six weeks unless he could show just cause for his action.

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