Universal Credit claimants have been told they won’t be penalised if they have to self-isolate with coronavirus.
DWP minister Will Quince said “discretion” will be used for people on benefits fearing sanctions for not turning up to job centre appointments.
But the SNP’s Neil Gray called for “robust advice” beyond assurances in parliament.
Gray said the sanctions regime is “punitive” and said the latest promise exposes unfair rules.
He said: “Confirmation that Coronavirus victims who claim social security will not be sanctioned for missing appointments is of course welcome - but to take away the risk of this happening at all to anyone affected by Coronavirus , the DWP must publish guidance on this for Job Centre staff and claimants immediately.
“This whole situation also brings into question the need for the punitive sanctions regime. If the Tories can make allowances for those who are ill with coronavirus, why not for others who miss appointments because of such things out of their control?”
Gray asked the question in Westminster after another increase in people testing positive for the Covid-19 strain sweeping the world.
He asked: "Could the minister outline in a case where somebody is on universal credit, for instance, has to self-isolate but is having to go through work searches and is unable to attend a job centre - will the minister expect that person to be sanctioned if they can't turn up?"
Will Quince, the minister for welfare delivery, said: "Absolutely not, and discretion will of course be used."
The UK Government announced last week that statutory sick pay will be paid from the first day workers take off in an attempt to encourage people to stay away from work if they are unwell.
