THOUSANDS of vulnerable Scots have had their benefits cut despite being unable to comply with tough new welfare rules, a Scottish Government study has found.
The research showed many claimants who had seen payments reduced as part a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) crackdown were "unable rather than unwilling" to comply with new conditions placed on them, including not having work experience or access to transport.
The study followed figures from the DWP showing more than 35,000 Scots have had their Jobseeker's Allowance stopped or cut in the past eight months. A range of new penalties have been imposed for failing to attend interviews with job advisers, failing to seek work actively or quitting a job.
In the most extreme cases, claimants can be barred from receiving the benefit for three years.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This research shows that some of the most vulnerable Scots are having their benefits stopped because they are simply not able to meet the conditions set by the UK Government. "
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