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The Tories have been accused of slipping out a study admitting that there's 'no evidence' benefit sanctions work.

The report showed that cutting someone's benefits as a punishment for alleged failures to comply with Jobcentre Plus rules does not encourage claimants to apply for additional work.

It went on to say that in some cases docking the money “damages the relationship between the work coach and the claimant”.

The findings, which cast doubt on the effectiveness of a key element of Universal Credit, were published quietly on 12 September with no ministerial announcement.

Frank Field, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, accused ministers of trying to bury the findings.

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“Rather than set out a bold plan to help low-paid workers earn more money – with more direct support being offered as opposed to terrifying the life out of them with the threat of sanctions – the DWP has decided to sneak out this report without giving the House of Commons an opportunity to debate its contents or the actions that are required on the back of it,” he said.

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He told the Independent: “Under universal credit, sanctions are being used for the first time ever against low-paid workers as a means of pushing them to increase their hours or move jobs.

“This report shows these sanctions have been largely ineffective and that this new element of the benefits system needs to be put right quickly.”

A DWP spokesperson told the Independent: “The ‘in work progression trials’ helped encourage claimants to increase their hours, seek out progression opportunities and take part in job-related training.

“The trials delivered positive results for many of the lowest paid people who claim universal credit and we are now considering the findings.”