Welfare claimants fear retribution if they complain about inspectors

An investigation by the Irish Examiner has found that many women who receive a lone parent payment report being "harassed", "stalked" and "bullied" by social welfare inspectors who turn up unannounced to their home. File Picture

Fear of retribution is contributing to a low number of complaints against social welfare inspectors, according to experts in the sector.

Social welfare inspectors can visit both homes and workplaces in order to "ensure that compliance is in order", according to the government.