AN UNEMPLOYED man was so frustrated at the red tape involved in claiming benefit, he chained himself to a Jobcentre.

Gareth Williams, 51, from Twydall, secured himself to the doors of the centre, in The Brook, Chatham, shortly after 9am on Friday.

He was arrested for a breach of the peace and taken to Medway Police Station where he was told to pay an £80 penalty.

Mr Williams is a trained computer systems specialist and has been employed nearly his whole working life.

He said he had never protested about anything before but felt the urge to do so because of the lengthy process involved in claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

He said: "I have had to jump through hoops to prove I am eligible. I want to work, I don't want to claim benefits."