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NEU Senior Regional Support Officer
Holyrood backbenchers demand benefit sanctions review

HOLYROOD backbenchers demanded a review yesterday of the Con-Dems’ savage sanctions for benefit claimants.

Harsh new rules ushered in by Tory Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith threaten jobseekers with 16-week benefits suspensions for reasons ranging from leaving a job voluntarily to failing to attend an interview with as little as 24 hours’ notice.

Scottish parliament welfare reform committee convenor Michael McMahon slammed the scheme as “broken” as he launched a report recommending an overhaul.

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