What else can a tax inspector do?

Paul, 41, is a tax inspector for the Inland Revenue (IR) in Humberside who thinks it is time to look for a new job after the chancellor's budget announcement to merge government departments and the proposals to centralise IR offices. A career civil servant with 20 years' experience earning ?23,000, where could he go?

1 If Paul wants to remain within the civil service he might consider working for the Insolvency Service, an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. He could become a trainee insolvency examiner whose duties include investigating why companies collapse. It is a fairly common route for ex-tax inspectors but he would have to be prepared to see his salary drop to ?16,500. Following qualification, after three years, pay increases to ?28,735.

2 The Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA), is keen to recruit Paul as a customer services manager responsible for checking claims for free prescriptions, health benefits and pre-payment certificates, and handling complaints. Paul's analytical mind and his good interpersonal skills are attractive to the PPA, which often recruits former tax inspectors. The salary is ?27,500.

3 Working for a local authority housing benefit team as a fraud investigator is a possibility. Paul's main responsibilities would be to check national insurance against housing benefit claims. The role would include tracking people suspected of fraud. These posts are difficult to fill, so although Paul would be advised to study for the Professionalism in Security award, he is an attractive candidate because of his experience and solid civil service background. The salary ranges from ?22,000 to ?30,000.

4 Paul could use his fraud investigation skills in the NHS. Working as a counter-fraud specialist for the NHS in a regional team, he would look into allegations of deceit involving more than ?15,000 that are referred by NHS organisations. He would have to attend two in-house courses explaining the structure of the NHS and how to gather evidence in suspected fraud cases. The salary is between ?24,607 and ?28,786.

5 Paul's knowledge of the tax system and public sector are valuable assets that may be snapped up by a finance department of a social enterprise - a company set up exclusively for a social purpose such as creating jobs for the long-term unemployed. Roles would include ensuring the enterprise makes the most of tax allowances and keeping accurate and up to date accounts. The job title and description might vary according to the size of the organisation. Paul could expect to earn from ?35,000 to ?40,000.