ERSA welcomes publication of Oakley review

ERSA has today (22 July) welcomed the publication by the government of the Oakley review of the sanctioning regime on jobseekers.

ERSA, the sector body for the employment support sector, contributed to the independent review process earlier this year and welcomes the government’s acceptance of all the Oakley recommendations.  It is now calling for rapid implementation of the changes throughout the Jobcentre Plus network in order to improve the overall regime. 

In particular, ERSA welcomes the recommendations within the report on improving communications to claimants so they know why they have been sanctioned and their responsibilities going forward, plus the need to clarify the roles of employment support providers vis-à-vis Jobcentre Plus.

Speaking about the report, ERSA chief executive, said:

‘Matt Oakley’s report shines a very welcome spotlight on the Jobseekers Allowance sanctioning regime. It’s vital that all claimants know their responsibilities in relation to seeking employment and that the sanctioning system is fair and transparent. It’s clear that more can be done to improve the process and providers will therefore support government and Jobcentre Plus in its implementation of changes.’