5 of the UK's most underappreciated jobs

2. Traffic wardens

Universally abhorred, animosity toward traffic wardens is a trait that transcends cultural boundaries and unites people around the globe. Their job is critical to society, yet on a regular basis they hear the following refrain: “Why don’t you get a real job?”

Traffic wardens are responsible for maintaining traffic flow throughout towns and cities. They are relied upon to ease congestion and prevent obstructions. The fines they dole out are designed to prevent people from parking in the wrong place, causing trouble and disrupting business.

When discussing underappreciated roles, traffic wardens are surely worth a mention, given that outright hatred towards them is often seen not only as socially acceptable, but encouraged as part of a nationwide joke.