Welfare workers are accused of being more focused on ticking boxes, than getting people the assistance they need.

A five-year long UK study's revealed benefit sanctions are ineffective at getting people back into work.

Mike O'Brien of the Child Poverty Action Group, told Kate Hawkesby says the results of the study are no surprise.

He believes sanctions here in New Zealand have increased hardship.

"The focus on meeting the rules, on filling and ticking the boxes has often come at the expense of ensuring beneficiaries and children get the help that they should be getting."

LISTEN ABOVE: MIKE O'BRIEN TALKS TO KATE HAWKESBY