A former Work and Income boss is rubbishing a study out of the UK suggesting benefit sanctions are ineffective at getting jobless people into work.

The five-year study suggests the sanctions are more likely to reduce those affected to poverty, ill-health and even so called survival-crime.

But former WINZ chief Christine Rankin told Mike Hosking the study was a ridiculous waste of time and money.

"It's a load of nonsense, you have to have sanctions for people who are not willing to go to work.

"We don't want them to starve but the reality is that it's got to hit home at some stage, that benefit is not a right. It's taxpayers money and you have to do your bit."

LISTEN ABOVE: CHRISTINE RANKIN SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING