The Post revealed last week how the number of sanctions imposed on job seekers in Clydebank had hit a record high of 1,215 in 2013/14 — double the previous year.

Further investigations show that residents in neighbouring areas, including Drumchapel, Scotstoun, Knightswood and Whiteinch, are also being hammered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

However, what is more alarming is that those unable to work due to disability or sickness are having their welfare payments suspended in these regions. In many cases, people are being punished unfairly due to hardline new rules introduced by the Conservative-Lib Dem government in October 2012.

Claimants of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) faced 111 penal measures in 2013/14 — compared to 61 sanctions the previous year.

However, three years ago the number of people having this disability allowance cut sat at just 27 for the year.

Development manager Brian Scott, of the Glasgow Disabled Alliance (GDA), told how he is “very concerned” at the rise in sanctions on ESA claimants.

He said: “We currently have over 2,500 members and GDA has noticed an increase in the number of our members — individual disabled people and partner organisations — who are very anxious about the prospect of being sanctioned by the DWP. “There is worrying evidence that 2015 will see a significant increase in the number of disabled people being sanctioned.

“Disabled people want to work but continue to face considerable barriers to employment, particularly the persistent problem of discrimination. People with mental health issues for example continue to struggle to find employment.

“What is particularly frustrating is that the work capability assessment process at the heart of ESA remains flawed, judgemental and subjective.” He added: “As a disabled persons’ organisations, run by and for disabled people, GDA is very concerned at the increase in the number of ESA claimants being sanctioned.

“In response we have been organising more welfare benefit information sessions for members and supporting people to get access to expert welfare benefits advice and representation.” ESA was introduced in 2008 to replace incapacity benefit.

It is intended for people who are unable to work due to sickness or disability. Claimants undergo tests called work capability assessments before learning whether they are eligible for the payment.

Some of those deemed eligible for the benefits are given regular interviews to help them find work, depending on their level of disability.

Only ESA claimants in the work-related activity group, where an adviser assists them with training and skills, can be subject to sanctions, which are handed out for failing to attend a mandatory interview or failing to take part in a work-related activity.

Scotland’s results show that in 2013/14 the number of ESA sanctions rose to 10,754 — a 125 per cent increase from the previous period.

A huge number of people receiving unemployment benefit in Glasgow North West areas are also being punished by the welfare system, statistics have revealed.

Last year, 1,399 sanctions were dealt out by DWP staff, affecting poverty-stricken people in places like Drumchapel.

Drumchapel councillor Malcolm Balfour said: “Thousands of people across Glasgow, especially in the north west of the city, have been personally affected by these draconian sanctions. Their impact is devastating but the reason for the use can be unclear and inconsistent.” Malcolm added: “Only by sweeping away the tired old politics of Westminster with their mean-spirited agenda can we return to a human system of social security for those in need and support our most vulnerable citizens.”