Guardian wanting to speak to advisers/claimants about experiences challenging sanctions

From Patrick Butler:

I’m setting up a project with my colleague from Guardian films John Domokos to follow people who are sanctioned and want to appeal against the decision.

Essentially, we want to investigate the human impact of benefits sanctions in the light of the recently published DWP paper and the rise in universal credit sanction decisions. We’d want to test Mel Stride’s recent assertion at the work and pensions select committee that sanctions work, that they are “measured and proportionate” with a “built in safety net”.

We’ve also read the Public Law Project research which finds “people who try to question their sanctions face a complex and unaccountable system in which legitimate challenge feels futile and fails to provide an adequate remedy”
We would like to interview sanctioned claimants who wish to appeal, who would consider staying in touch with us as they make their way through the system, and share their experiences (whether they follow it through to the end or not).

We are also interested in showing the work of a welfare rights worker, and the stresses and obstacles they face in trying to help people challenge unfair benefits decisions.

If you think you, or one of your clients, could help, please contact Patrick at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)