Nick Clegg defends ‘deterrent’ to the jobless

The new benefits sanctions will not "clobber" the jobless, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said today.

He said the most severe punishment, stripping benefits from claimants who repeatedly refuse to work, would not be used very often.

"These sanctions are not seeking out people to clobber, these sanctions are to act as a deterrent," he said at a centre in London which helps people get back into work. "I suspect the top level will be used for a tiny, tiny number of people who are systematically abusing the system."

Mr Clegg now has to keep his party united around the coalition plans. Cuts in housing benefit have already provoked a major Lib-Dem revolt led by deputy leader Simon Hughes. Critics claim that up to 72,000 Londoners may be forced to move when the benefits are cut.