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UC sanction, leaving job voluntarily
My client has 3 young kids, her childminder [ ex partner] has become unavailable now at very short notice, she had to leave her job to look after the kids, her hours of work were unsociable so she could not find replacement child care,
UC have told her that they will stop payment due to her leaving he job, this sound very harsh,
are UC rally so unhelpful, the client says she told UC about the circumstance of her leaving work
is it just an MR to try and get it changed, can we appeal if they still refuse payment
My client has 3 young kids, her childminder [ ex partner] has become unavailable now at very short notice, she had to leave her job to look after the kids, her hours of work were unsociable so she could not find replacement child care,
UC have told her that they will stop payment due to her leaving he job, this sound very harsh,
are UC rally so unhelpful, the client says she told UC about the circumstance of her leaving workis it just an MR to try and get it changed, can we appeal if they still refuse payment
Don’t have time to elaborate but there is such a thing as ‘good cause’ see copy and paste below e.g. childcare issues and the link below that will tell you how you can help your client. I am sure other people will be able to elaborate.
https://cpag.org.uk/welfare-rights/key-topics/universal-credit/universal-credit-and-sanctions
Good reason
‘Good reason’ is not defined in rules. If you have ‘good reason’ for your actions, then a sanction should not be imposed.
Examples of ‘good reason’ in case law/guidance include4 :
the wrong work-related requirements have been imposed
temporary circumstances such as attending court or funeral
being in hospital
being the victim of domestic abuse
childcare issues
These are just examples, there are many other circumstances which could amount to ‘good reason’.
I would follow the MR process, but as we all know this can take a long time so I would also contact the local Partnership Manager and Member of Parliament as this sanction seems excessive and she clearly had good cause.
Remember she can request a hardship payment for each AP the sanction is applied.
ADM Chapter K2: Good reason
Caring responsibilities
K2140 If a claimant is the responsible carer of a child aged 5 – 13 they have good reason
1. not to accept a job that is not compatible with the child’s normal school hours, including the time it
takes the child to travel to and from school
2. for leaving paid work or losing pay because working hours are incompatible with caring responsibilities