Peers have debated a motion to regret the Jobseeker's Allowance (Mandatory Work Activity Scheme) Regulations 2011, as part of dinner break business on 10 May 2011.
The scheme establishes the Mandatory Work Activity Scheme, aimed at claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance who have little or no experience of employment.
It requires individuals to carry out activities in a work environment so that they can develop an understanding of the skills needed to obtain and keep work.
For each person the placement will run for up to 30 hours a week over four consecutive weeks, and will deliver a contribution to the local community.
Failure to comply can result in loss of up to 13 weeks' benefit, and 26 weeks' benefit for repeat offenders.
Former Labour MP Lord Knight of Weymouth and Lady Mar, a crossbench peer, each tabled a motion regretting the policy arguing that the government has not explained how the scheme will work and whether claimants' prospects of obtaining employment will be improved.
Lord Knight of Weymouth also called for the regulations to be annulled.
A report by the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee said that the information provided about the policy objectives of the regulation was "very vague" and lacked clarity.
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