An unemployed builder’s frustrating search for work ended in the cells at Ashford police station.

After a year out of work, Steve Blackford was offered a job interview 20 miles away.

He telephoned the Jobcentre Plus to ask for financial help so he could pay for the petrol to get there.

The staff said they were unable pay expenses so annoyed Mr Blackford decided to go to the Jobcentre Plus, in International House, Station Road, to see the member of staff in person.

Mr Blackford, of Godfrey Walk, South Ashford, arrived and after reading a poster displayed saying “the job you want, the help you need” he started chanting it.

The manager called the security guard but Mr Blackford refused to leave until he got help in getting to the interview, which was due to take place the following day.

Continuing to repeat the poster slogan, Mr Blackford was promptly arrested by police who took him to the cells at the police station where he was held for nearly three hours before he was released without a charge or caution on Monday, March 23.

Mr Blackford said: “It is outrageous that I have been treated in this way for trying to get a job.”

He said his year-long search for work has been frustrating.

No training

“I have on many occasions asked at the Jobcentre about retraining due to the lack of work advertised for the skills that I have.

“They continually tell me that there is no training in anything at all,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions, speaking on behalf of the Jobcentre said: “Our advisers are working very hard to deliver services to meet increased demand, and should not have to tolerate abuse or violence from customers.

“Jobcentre Plus works closely with the police to bring prosecutions in serious cases, and where necessary we will pursue private prosecutions with the support of staff.

“There is also the option of banning or issuing warnings to members of the public.

“Jobcentre Plus personal advisers work closely with their customers to create an individual plan to get back into work, using a number of options available, which may include training, CV writing, interviewing techniques or maybe even retraining for a whole new career.”

Police confirmed that they were called to the Jobcentre at 1.11pm on the day of the incident.

A spokesman for the police said: “A 52-year-old local man was arrested for breach of the peace.

“He was later released with no charge.”