Most people who move off benefits and into work say that having a job improves their quality of life, according to recent research by Working Links – an organisation that helps the long-term unemployed find work. Of its 1,300 clients, 80 per cent said they were more satisfied with life since finding work.

The three most positive changes were cited as: more self-confidence (67 per cent); increased self-motivation (62 per cent); and a greater quality of life (57 per cent).

Comment: Well, well, well! Who’d have thought that having a job could improve both your income level and your outlook on life? I’m looking forward to the next survey of the obvious, aren’t you?