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BENEFITS sanctions are forcing the poor to commit “survival crime”, MSPs will be told today.

Researchers found cutting welfare payments as punishment for minor indiscretions such as being a few minutes late to a meeting with an adviser was having a devastating health and social impact.

In some cases those punished turn to shoplifting and fraud to alleviate extreme financial hardship.

The study – being presented in a briefing at Holyrood – is the first wave of findings from a study conducted by Glasgow ­University and five other institutions.

It concludes: “There was evidence of benefit sanctions promoting extreme outcomes in some cases, with certain individuals disengaging from services or being pushed toward survival crime.

“Harsh disproportionate or inappropriate sanctioning created deep resentment and feelings of injustice.”

Some of those being punished for breaches did not understand why they were being sanctioned.

(Image: Getty)

The report goes on: “Increased borrowing and debt was a common outcome. Some people ended up near-destitute, using foodbanks. Some had multiple arrears and ­experienced eviction threats.”

The report includes shocking statements of the depths some ­sanctioned benefits claimants have been reduced to.

One woman said: “I’d go into shops and steal whatever just to make do, basically. And I used to rig my meter when I had my house.”

A disabled person said being ­sanctioned is “demeaning, ­condescending. It is painful, it is damaging, it makes your disabilities worse. It is completely unproductive. It doesn’t get people to work.”

Another benefits claimant said: “My daughter could not attend school for two weeks. I didn’t have any money for that. You have to give her some money every day for some lunch and for a bus.”

SNP MSP Sandra White said: “An immediate and urgent review is needed and sanctions should be paused until this is done.”

Citizens Advice Scotland’s Rhiannon Sims said: “There is no doubt that sanctions do impact on peoples’ health and wellbeing.

“When someone has no money, it can make it more difficult to look for work, as it is harder to pay for transport, phone credit and ­broadband to contact employers.”