The sanctions surge: Shining a light on the universal credit sanctions regime

Article

As the cost of living crisis rages on, the UK’s social safety net has a critical role to play in protecting people from deepening poverty and destitution.

But a concerning trend has emerged: the rate of universal credit claimants experiencing sanctions has risen rapidly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This briefing paper seeks to shine a light on the benefit sanctions regime in universal credit by analysing publicly available data from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Related items

  1. A person sits at a desk in front of a laptop. A semi-transparent screen shows a digital AI agent

    Strike while AI is hot: Rebuilding worker power for the age of AI

    How worker power should be reanimated in the face of AI-driven labour market shocks.
  2. The exterior of the Ministry of Defence building

    The Europe agenda: Defence and security

    In this period of geopolitical chaos, greater defence and security integration offer a fruitful way for the UK to deepen its relationship with Europe.
  3. Rear view of unrecognizable people walking together on the street

    A tough hand: Why rising youth inactivity demands urgent action

    On Thursday, new data will likely show the number of young people who will be out of education, employment or training (NEET) will surpass 1 million for the first time since 2013.