Tens of thousands of people on Universal Credit face sanctions and reductions if they do not show up at jobcentres, under plans unveiled by the chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

The tightening of rules announced in his ‘mini-budget' speech this morning are expected to affect 120,000 people and are designed to compel people to ‘take active steps to seek more work'.

This includes attending weekly or fortnightly appointments at jobcentres, applying for jobs and attending interviews.

The Government's Growth Plan states: ‘Claimants who do not fulfil their job-search commitment without good reason could have their benefits reduced.'

The plans also include work coaches for new claimants and long-term unemployed people over the age of 50 to help them into work.

Local Government Association chairman James Jamieson said: 'Any government initiative to help Universal Credit claimants find work, or increase their earnings, should also connect up with other government schemes to increase skills and qualifications and support for families, including affordable, accessible childcare and help for parents who are returning to work.

'It is vital claimants have access to the right support and benefits to get on in life, which is especially important amid cost of living pressures.'