HC Deb 25 April 1977 vol 930 c252W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Stecretary of State for Social Services if a person suspended from work without pay is eligible for unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Orme

Subject to other conditions for the receipt of benefit being satisfied, unemployment benefit may be paid for any day on which a person does not work and is under no obligation to remain at his employer's disposal, and for which he receives no remuneration, even though the employment as such has not been terminated. The person concerned must be capable of and available for suitable employment. If the suspension from work has been imposed for alleged misbehaviour, however, the independent adjudicating authorities will normally have to consider whether the evidence justifies disqualifying the claimant for receiving unemployment benefit, for a period not exceeding six weeks, on the ground that he has lost employment through his misconduct.

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