A 53-YEAR-OLD Blackburn man continued to claim benefits despite landing himself a job at a fish and chip shop.

Blackburn magistrates heard Sadaqat Baid Baig planned to declare his earnings if the job was made permanent but didn’t do so and ended up claiming nearly £4,000 he wasn’t entitled to. Baig, of London Road, admitted failing to notify a change of circumstances. He was made subject to community supervision for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Damian Pickup, defending, said the claim had initially been legitimate because Baig was not fit for work due to asthma.

“He was actually sacked from the job because his employer said he wasn’t fit to work,” said Mr Pickup.