It seems Revenue is taking away allowances from PAYE workers. The flat-rate expenses allowance is long established and recognises the costs incurred in the purchase of uniforms and work equipment. Among the first to be targeted are agricultural advisers, with the likes of nurses and retail workers also in the firing line.

An allowance for overalls and wellies – that’s what broke the country 10 years ago. It definitely wasn’t the billionaire builders or the banks.