4,200 have had their jobseeker’s benefit cut

More than 4,200 people in the last two years have seen their jobseeker’s benefit cut by up to €44 per week because they failed to co-operate with offers of education or training.

Since July, the Department of Social Protection has upped the penalty for those who continue to fail to engage with its “activation measures”. Those who are on a penalty rate for 21 days or more are to be disqualified from receiving jobseeker payments for up to nine weeks.

In a further clear sign that the Government is cracking down on those who make no effort to seek employment or education opportunities, the number of people penalised has increased significantly since the start of this year.