I had another interview today. All the usual guff about how I’ve wanted to work for an insurance company ever since I was a little lad and everything else I’ve ever done in my life has been building up to just such a goal.

One thing occurred to me, though. Three interviews in eight days: in total I have spent over £110 in rail fares (even using, on two occasions, the misnamed “Cheap Day Return” tickets) and about another £15 in plastic cups of rancid tea and coffee, barely edible sandwiches and a newspaper on one day. (I could, of course, have fed and watered myself, though I personally feel that walking into an interview armed with a flask and “snap box” – as my grandfather always referred to his packed lunch – is not the first impression I should create when seeking to be taken seriously as a senior commercial lawyer.)

The thought that came to my mind is this: how the Hell do poor people afford to find jobs?

If they’re getting just £57.45 a week to feed, clothe and house themselves, how can they also afford the £29 rail ticket I bought today?

I’ve had a look on the Jobcentreplus (sic, sic, sic) website and that of the Department for Work and Pensions and can’t find any reference to financial assistance with the expenses associated with attending interviews.

I don’t know – maybe I’m being naive and simplistic in thinking that the level of Jobseeker’s Allowance should actually allow job seekers to seek jobs.

Either way, I’m sure Charles Clarke has the answer.