Unemployed people outside south-east England are missing out on cheaper travel to job interviews, new figures show.

Fewer than three out of 10 (28%) journeys using a jobseekers’ railcard are made outside London and the South East, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said.

It expressed concern that people looking for work in the rest of Britain are missing out on help because they do not know the discount card exists.

All train operators sell certain fares at half price to holders of the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, which is designed to make travel to job interviews more affordable.

RDG chief executive Paul Plummer said: “Getting more people into work is part of our long-term plan to support and strengthen communities.

“The partnership railway is committed to spreading economic prosperity across the country.

“Over half a million discounted journeys were made in the last year but we want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to discounted journeys, in all parts of the country, knows about the discounts available.”

Andrew, a young man from the Bristol area, used the railcard to help him secure a new job.

He said: “Travelling to interviews is nerve-wracking, especially as I have to be careful with money.

“The discount card has been a big help and without it I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to the second interview for the job I’ll be starting next month.”

Jobseekers can pick up the railcard for free from a Jobcentre Plus office if they meet certain criteria.