Clean benefits

Unemployment officers in Romania are reportedly refusing to pay benefits to claimants unless they have a bath first.

The new rule was introduced after job centre staff in the town of Harsova said they were fed up with smelly people turning up to claim the dole.

Ionel Chirita, the town's mayor, said: 'How can they expect to get a job when they smell so bad that you would not let them in the room for an interview?'

Job-seekers now get free showers at a newly built baths, paid for from public funds.