On strike

Applications for Jobseeker Support are sometimes received from clients who are on strike from their employment or who have been 'locked out' by their employer.

Jobseeker Support is not paid to clients who are on strike. Before we can decline their application, they must meet the definition of being on strike.

A client who is on strike from their part-time employment cannot generally be granted Jobseeker Support if (as a guide) their employment was sufficient to maintain them for a period of not less than 13 weeks. If Jobseeker Support is granted you can consider that they have deprived themselves of income and pay the client at a reduced rate, by charging their pre-strike earnings.

If a client who is receiving a benefit and working part-time goes on strike, Jobseeker Support can continue to be paid, however, the rate of payment cannot be increased to the full rate as they have deprived themselves of income.

For more information see:

• Strikes
• Lockouts
• Process for investigating industrial disputes

A client who has been declined a benefit while they are on strike may be able to receive an Accommodation Supplement. If there are dependent children in the family a Special Needs Grant or Temporary Additional Support may be payable.

For more information see:

• Accommodation Supplement
• Special Needs Grants
• Temporary Additional Support