A "FIT for work" traffic warden is being put off returning to his job because he can't afford to!

Disillusioned Jeff Hayward (35) of Hazel Avenue, Bury, is caught in a Catch 22 situation.

He claims he needs to carry on receiving Jobseekers' Allowance because he cannot last a month without any money until his first pay cheque.

Mr Hayward was forced to stop working in March due to a spine condition.

He claimed incapacity benefit until he was deemed "fit to work" by doctors last month.

Manchester City Council, keen to welcome him back, offered him a new uniform and a job starting on Monday next week (Oct 7).

But Mr Hayward's relief at being employed again quickly turned sour when he informed the authorities of his intent to get back to work. Realising he would have to wait a month for his first pay slip, he inquired about the possibility of financial help until he received his first wage, as he could not afford to travel to work.

But he was told help could only be given on a discretionary basis and that no official scheme of assistance exists.

Mr. Hayward, a divorced father-of-three, said: "I feel as though a rug has been pulled out from under my feet. I want to get off Jobseekers' Allowance, but if I have no form of assistance whatsoever, I cannot survive until my first pay cheque."

The only option available to him was to sell his possessions to get through his first month.

But he said: "My children are coming to visit this weekend so I can hardly tell them there will be no TV for a month."

A spokesman for the Department of Social Security admitted that it was difficult for people in a similar position to get back to work, but individual situations were reviewed.

Mr. Hayward added: "I feel I have no choice but to go on claiming."