The amount withheld from social security claimants under this government's controversial sanctions regime has soared by 3,000%, new figures show.
Our analysis of the most recent Department for Work and Pensions data reveals £355 million in jobseeker's allowance was stopped in the year to September 2014.
In 2009/2010, £11 million of JSA was sanctioned.
We believe this massive rise goes a long way to explaining why sanctions have been so closely linked to the increase in the use of foodbanks.
These new figures come ahead of a Dispatches investigation to be broadcast this evening into the government's sanctions regime that was stepped up in October 2012.
The programme will feature an interview with our general secretary Mark Serwotka and evidence we presented to MPs in January that shows the pressure on staff to sanction claimants.
Under the stricter benefits system, the length of time sanctions can be imposed for has increased, with the minimum set at four weeks, rising to 13 weeks and up to three years.
At four weeks, a sanction is worth around £300. Recent crimes with a similar fine imposed by the courts include shining a laser pen at a police helicopter, described by magistrates as "extremely reckless behaviour which could have had horrific consequences".
Mark said: "Sanctions do nothing to help unemployed people find sustainable jobs. They only poison the relationship between claimants and jobcentre staff, and they should be scrapped immediately."
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