More than 36,000 Scots jobseekers have benefits cut

More than 36,000 Scots have seen their benefits stopped or reduced for allegedly not doing enough to find work, writes Kieran Andrews, political editor.

In the first eight months of the UK Government’s Universal Credit scheme, Scotland averaged a slightly higher rate of “adverse referrals”, whereby people are deemed to have broken the rules by, for example, refusing job offers or not participating “in a work-focused interview”.

A Scottish Government report yesterday claimed jobseekers are often unable rather than unwilling to comply with the conditions placed upon them.

It said disadvantaged groups people with health problems, those lacking work experience and lone parents are disproportionately affected.

One in eight of those deprived of benefits in Scotland have had the highest level of sanctions imposed, which can result in benefits being stopped for up to three years.

However, the Scottish Conservatives rubbished the findings and backed the UK Government’s measures.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This may help explain why so many more people are being forced to use food banks.”