Unemployed Bognor man claims jobcentre sanctions are making his life ‘hell’

He claims he is at ‘breaking point’ because of unfair demands on hism which has affected his health.

Mr Janman, of Lyon Street, said he has been out of work for some time and visits the Bognor jobcentre each fortnight. He said: “I have been sanctioned from March 19 to September 17 this year and spent most of the previous two years sanctioned.

“So many times I have left the jobcentre in total disbelief and frantic with despair not knowing what I had done wrong.

“It’s a humiliating experience to go through every time, sometimes it has been unbearable.

“I ask what am I supposed to do, who do I then go about supporting myself.”

Evidence suggests Mr Janman is among thousands of people to suffer nationally since jobseeker’s allowance sanctions were toughened.

“I’m sick and tired of the jobcentre giving me a hard time and making my life hell,” he said. “All the aggravation has affected my health and I now suffer with stress and depression.

“I am ashamed that I had to keep asking my elderly father for help.”

Mr Janman appealed his last sanction and after waiting two months the decision was overruled.

However he said he is still ‘bitter and angry’ as he continued to seek work.

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “The vast majority of those on benefits do the right thing by looking for work, however, it’s fair that the small percentage who refuse to do so risk a reduction to their benefits.

“Claimants can always ask us to look at the sanction decision again and the overall number of sanctions is going down.”