In previous times of economic hardship, the unemployed were urged to get on their bikes and look for work – but jobseekers in one Welsh town are now being told to claim a free spray tan.
Under the scheme in Aberdare, Job Centre staff are sending candidates for tans and makeovers at the town’s Well-being and Training Academy.
But critics have questioned whether it is a sensible way for dealing with joblessness in the area, which suffers from unemployment of 9.6%, the highest rate in Wales.
Sarah Sweeden, director of the Academy, said they were happy to give the makeover and free spray tans to genuine jobseekers.
She said: “We want to give people that extra confidence to find work.
Job Centre staff will only send candidates for the treatment if they are seen to be serious about finding work. It is not paid for by the Job Centre or council. The Academy is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company which aims to help people get back to work by improving their fitness, appearance, nutrition and confidence. Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
