Government offers stripper jobs
Tuesday, 9 December 2008 5:11 PM
The government is facing accusations of advertising jobs within the sex industry.
A consultation document published by the government has found state-run Jobcentre Plus placed 351 vacancies within the 'adult entertainment industry' last year.
Vacancies advertised included 'topless/semi nude bar staff', 'nude cleaners', 'escorts' and 'adult chat line operators'. Over 5,500 people applied for these vacancies.
The document also revealed five employers who placed vacancies were providing illegal services. Four of the five advertisers have been withdrawn due to the allegations.
There were complaints from two applicants who were asked to perform sexual activities after applying for positions advertised by Jobcentre Plus.
Chris Grayling, shadow secretary for work and pensions, said: "I raised this issue with James Purnell (secretary for work and pensions) last March but he refused to take any action.
"I hope this consultation means he has changed his mind. It is completely unacceptable that Jobcentres are advertising vacancies that are leading to sexual harassment. Stronger action needs to be taken immediately to prevent vulnerable people taking exploitative jobs."
A spokesperson from the Department of Work and Pensions said: "We've already tightened up the rules to crack down on unscrupulous employers, and we want to make absolutely sure that anyone who attempts to flout them and take advantage of people looking for work is dealt with.
"In the last year around 0.015 per cent of vacancies carried by Jobcentre Plus were in the adult entertainment industry. This consultation is all about looking at how we can tighten the rules further."
Mr Purnell defended Jobcentre Plus in March, claiming the adverts were legal and Jobcentre Plus has the duty to comply with anything that is legal.
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