Commentary on Sections Schedule 1: Rights of employees Section 31: Incorrect statements etc
129.Section 31 provides for a penalty of up to £3,000 to be imposed on any person (including an employer in relation to his responsibilities under section 25) who fraudulently or negligently provides a false or incorrect statement or incorrect information or evidence in respect of a claim and any associated notifications, notices and requirements.
130.For couples, such a penalty may be imposed on either partner, but the total of the penalties imposed on both partners must not exceed £3,000 (subsections (2) and (4)). No penalty can be imposed on a partner who could not reasonably have been expected to have been aware of the fraud or neglect giving rise to the penalty (subsection (3)).
131.Penalties may also be imposed on a person who has acted for another in relation to a claim, notification or notice, where they have acted fraudulently or negligently (subsection (5)).