The Role of Sanctions in Frontline Work with Jobseekers

Abstract

Active labour market policy emphasises applying an individual approach to the unemployed and understanding and acknowledging their individual needs. However, the staff at the Labour Office of the Czech Republic (PES), who are in direct contact with the clients, are also in charge of the administration of sanctions. Their agenda therefore combines both supportive and disciplinary roles. In this article, we examine how much discretion these frontline workers have in the area of sanctioning clients and how they exercise it. We analyse qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted at two contact local offices of the PES. The interviews revealed that job advisors use their discretion in favour of clients, i.e. they don't proceed with the sanctions despite violation of the rules by client (especially in the case of certain categories of clients and specific types of rule violation). Their decisions are influenced by their empathy, values, and professional experiences, and by the behaviour of clients and their history with the PES.