For universal credit and ESA, you can be given a lowest-level sanction if only the work-focused interview condition applies to you (see Chapter 17(3) ) and you do not take part in a work-focused interview without good reason (see 9 below ). This can include a pre-arranged telephone interview.

How long is the sanction period? – The sanction period will start on the day of the sanctionable failure and will last until the day before the day you arrange a new work-focused interview (as long as you go on to take part in that interview). The sanction period will end sooner than this if your circumstances change so that none of the work-related conditions apply to you (see Box E.3 in Chapter 17). The sanction period will also end if your universal credit or ESA award is terminated (unless, in the case of universal credit, it is terminated because you cease to be, or become, one of a couple).
WRA 2012, S.27 ; UC Regs, reg 105 ; ESA Regs , regs 50 & 53