However, it is possible to break down the total number into the types of sanction which can occur. These are listed in the following table. The table shows the number of labour market sanctions imposed for each sanction type. I am informed by colleagues in the Benefits Agency that statistics are not kept on the amount of benefit lost following the imposition of a sanction. Statistics are not available on the exact length of each labour market sanction.
Sanctions can be of a fixed or variable length, depending on the type of sanction.
Fixed sanctions can last two weeks, or four weeks, or 26 weeks. Variable sanctions can last for any number of weeks between one week and 26 weeks. The table shows the length of sanction appropriate to each sanction type. These are recorded on the National Health Service central register, managed and operated by the Office for National Statistics on behalf of the Department of Health. The National Health Service Strategic Tracing Service, managed by Sema Group on behalf of the National Health Service, also holds details of all National Health Service patients and their numbers.