18A: Requirements imposed on claimants by officers of the Secretary of State
281.This makes provision for jobseeker’s directions to require the claimant to take part in any reasonable activity, particularly some form of activity related to finding employment, becoming more employable or remaining in employment, such as improving skills, which an employment officer considers relevant. This direction can be included in an action plan or a jobseeker’s agreement.
282.If the person is notified of a place on a training scheme, he or she can be required to apply for such a vacancy and if offered a position the person can be required to accept and attend. A person required to meet the jobseeking conditions can be required to apply for a place on an employment programme, or for a vacant job. This can also apply to those who are not required to meet the jobseeking conditions if they so agree.
283.Subsection (8) of new section 18A makes provision to allow for the requirement for those not required to meet the jobseeking conditions to undertake a direction to be suspended in particular circumstances.
284.Claimants who fail to comply with these requirements may incur a sanction.
