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Appealing to a tribunal after a Universal Credit sanction decision
I was sanctioned and lost 2 months UC payments for missing an appointment. I left it quite late to inform them, but I did so before my appointment. I also sent in my completed worksearch activity. I missed the appointment because: a) I attended an information session for a vacancy with (wait for it)...DWP - a valuable part of the process for anyone serious about applying; b) because I had £0. On any other day, I would have walked 40-50 minutes there and then back, but this would have meant missing the info session. Long story short, I asked for a mandatory reconsideration - decision upheld. So now I am appealing - is there any advice on how I should word my appeal, or any other premise on which I can base my argument? For example, their letter ends with this.
"A work search review is to check what you're doing to meet your commitments and agree next steps to increase your chances of getting work or earning more.
As a jobseeker, you've accepted to be immediately available for job interview and starting work.
If you were informed of a pre-arranged job interview or working opportunity and failed to attend due to a lack of funds or coinciding webinar it is highly likely you would not be considered suitable for the opportunity.
Therefore, after review, I cannot accept you've provided any further information that leads me to conclude the original decision is incorrect."
"A work search review is to check what you're doing to meet your commitments and agree next steps to increase your chances of getting work or earning more.
As a jobseeker, you've accepted to be immediately available for job interview and starting work.
If you were informed of a pre-arranged job interview or working opportunity and failed to attend due to a lack of funds or coinciding webinar it is highly likely you would not be considered suitable for the opportunity.
Therefore, after review, I cannot accept you've provided any further information that leads me to conclude the original decision is incorrect."