5.1.2 Variable sanction period
Additionally, a decision maker has the discretion to impose a benefit sanction on a person for a period of one to 26 weeks if s/he has:
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lost a job through misconduct;
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voluntarily left employment without just cause eg harmful to health, caring for a sick relative, except during the trial period of five to twelve weeks;
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without good cause, neglected to take up a reasonable opportunity of employment (see 5.1.3.2);
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without good cause, refused or failed to apply for or accept a job vacancy notified to her/him by an employment officer (see 5.1.3.2).
In determining the period of the sanction, the decision maker must take into account all the circumstances of the case and, in particular, the following:
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where the job would have lasted more than 26 weeks, the length of time it was likely to last;
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where the job was lost through misconduct and the employer intends to re-engage the person, the date the person will return to work;
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where a person leaves employment voluntarily or fails to avail of a reasonable opportunity for employment, any mitigating physical or mental stress connected with employment;
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where a person leaves employment voluntarily and the hours were sixteen hours per week or less, the rate of pay and hours worked in that employment.
A person who has accepted voluntary redundancy is not treated as having left her/his employment voluntarily.
from www.lawcentreni.org/EoR/jobseekers.htm
I know it's from NI, but presumably is the same