Hundreds of jobseekers had their benefits stopped

Over 300 people across Rochdale had their benefits stopped in one month — more than other areas of Greater Manchester.

The figures show discrepancies between Rochdale and comparable areas. In Rochdale, 310 jobseekers were sanctioned, compared to 214 in Salford and 229 in Stockport. Wigan, with a significantly larger population than Rochdale but a smaller number of claimants, saw only 234 people penalised.

Jobseekers in neighbouring Oldham, with a simlar size population to Rochdale, fared even worse with 443 jobseekers sanctioned.

Sanctions can range from four weeks for a first offence to three months and then three years. The figures given from the Commons library cover March, 2014, which the Government says are the latest available.