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Welfare Reform Bill

I am delighted that postal delays did not prevent the noble Lord, Lord Rix, receiving his just deserts. I thank noble Lords for these amendments, the sentiment of which I agree with entirely. It is right that we make all reasonable efforts to contact vulnerable customers before we sanction their benefit and that we give our customers a reasonable amount of time to show good cause for not complying with the work-related activity requirements. However, I believe that the amendments are unnecessary. I shall deal first with Amendment 37 and the first part of Amendment 85. Under these amendments a claimant could be sanctioned for failure to comply with the regulations on work-related activity only where the Secretary of State could show that all reasonable attempts to contact the claimant had been made. I assure noble Lords that Jobcentre Plus advisers already make every effort to contact vulnerable customers before a sanction is imposed. It may be helpful if I outline in detail how Jobcentre Plus will inform ESA customers and parents of their new responsibilities and the steps that advisers will take in the event that a customer fails to undertake work-related activity. The process will be very similar to the existing process in ESA if a customer fails to engage in a work-focused interview. First, Jobcentre Plus will contact all customers to explain what is required of them and book the first work-focused interview. It will also write to the customer confirming the appointment and reiterating these conditions. In addition, two days before the work-focused interview is due, Jobcentre Plus will contact the customer by telephone to remind them about the interview and remind them again of their responsibilities.