An unemployed Austrian man who was told by his local job center that he must find work immediately or risk losing his benefits cut off his own foot in an effort to remain on the dole.

56-year-old Hans Url told employees at the job center in Feldbach that he was unhappy with the job they were offering him and was too sick to work besides.

After being sent to a doctor for medical evaluation, Url decided to ensure a favorable outcome by sawing off his foot just above the ankle and tossing it into a fire to prevent reattachment.

Emergency crews found him in his garage suffering from extensive blood loss, but were able to transport him to the hospital in time to save his life.

Indeed, the leg could not be salvaged as Mr. Url anticipated, but a job center spokesman said lacking a leg doesn't necessarily get you a free pass from work.

"He will be assessed once he is out of hospital," said Hermann Gössinger, "and we will see what work we can find for him."

[austriantimes.]