Jobseekers who aren't actively seeking work could face a cut to their payments.

The Sunday Business Post reports that the Minister for Social Protection is to include the measure in the new Social Welfare and Pensions Bill.

The range of circumstances under which penalties can be applied to a recipient’s payment will also be extended - such as jobseekers who fail or refuse to take up an employment scheme or who drop out of an employment scheme will now face a cut to their benefit.