§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any research publications which shed light on the experience of people disentitled to means-tested social security benefits for reasons other than sufficiency of means.
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamAs part of the evaluation of Jobseeker's Allowance, the department has recently published findings from a major survey, carried out before the introduction of the benefit, on the circumstances, attitudes and labour market experiences of unemployed claimants (DSS Research Report No. 62,Unemployment and Jobseeking). This includes information about claimants who were disqualified or disallowed benefit.
In addition, a smaller qualitative study of claimants disqualified or disallowed from unemployment-related benefits was undertaken before the introduction of JSA. We expect to publish findings shortly. A similar study will be carried out to shed light on the attitudes and decision-making of claimants and jobseekers who were sanctioned under the JSA regime.
We are undertaking a programme of monitoring and evaluation of JSA in order to ensure that it contributes to our objectives to provide work incentives, to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to strike a new balance between rights and responsibilities.