PART 12E+W+SDISQUALIFICATION

Disqualification for misconduct etc.E+W+S

157.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph (2) applies where a claimant—

(a)has limited capability for work through the claimant's own misconduct, except in a case where the limited capability is due to pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease; or

(b)fails without good cause to attend for or submit to medical or other treatment (excluding vaccination, inoculation or major surgery) recommended by a doctor with whom, or a hospital or similar institution with which, the claimant is undergoing medical treatment, which would be likely to remove the limitation on the claimant's capability for work;

(c)fails without good cause to refrain from behaviour calculated to retard the claimant's recovery; or

(d)is, without good cause, absent from the claimant's place of residence without leaving word with the Secretary of State where the claimant may be found.

(2) A claimant referred to in paragraph (1) is to be disqualified for receiving an employment and support allowance for such period not exceeding 6 weeks as the Secretary of State may determine.

(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the claimant—

(a)is disqualified for receiving an employment and support allowance by virtue of regulations made under section [F16B or] 7 of the Social Security Fraud Act 2001F2; or

(b)is a person in hardship.