Hello

Wonder if anyone has any ideas for my client. She has been on JSA for 6 months and has been told she has to start a New Deal full-time training course in 2 weeks time.
She has an 11 month old baby and a husband. Her husband does not have recourse to public funds and is not permitted to work. She is only 24 and only gets £44.05 for herself + CTC and CB. Basically she is desperate not to attend the New Deal training because she wants to look after her baby- her husband has never cared for the baby. She is muslim.
I am expecting that if she doesn't attend she would be sanctioned. Has anyone any experience of appealing a sanction of this sort and whether we could argue cultural/religious barriers? What would be the likelihood of success?
Thanks

Why does she not claim Income Support instead? She will qualify with childcare responsibilities.

On the face of it your client would probably not qualify for IS as she does not appear to have any conditions of entitlement.She could not be treated as a lone parent because of her partner,but if she gets a medical certificate she could qualify on the grounds of incapacity for work.Similarly,if her baby is sick and gets DLA then she could claim as a carer.

Sorry for mistake. Argh. 'Good cause' on religious/conscientious grounds?

Are Human Rights Act Articles 8 and 14 arguments too tenuous?