Following revelations that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) paid cash incentives of over £2,000 to lap-dancing bars and other parts of the sex industry to hire young unemployed people as part of its Youth Contract scheme, Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has sought assurances that the same thing is not happening in the Welsh Government’s flagship Jobs Growth Wales scheme.
Since 2012, jobs with a sexual purpose have been banned from the UK Government’s schemes. However, ‘ancillary’ jobs within the sex industry are still offered.
Mrs Evans said: “A recent DWP document listed jobs within the adult entertainment industry where employers can receive subsidies from the UK government to employ young unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 24.
“These jobs include TV camera operators and sound technicians for pornographic films, cleaners and door staff in saunas and massage parlours, bar staff in strip clubs, glamour photographers, and sales people for sex-related products.
“I don’t want young people who are desperate to get a job and to get on in life to feel pressurised to accept jobs which may make them feel uncomfortable, or where they may face exploitation, harassment or discrimination.”
Mrs Evans wrote to Deputy Minister for Skills Ken Skates expressing her concern at the UK Government’s approach and seeking confirmation that young people in Wales are not being offered work in the sex industry through the Welsh Government’s flagship Jobs Growth Wales scheme.
The Deputy Minister responded: “I am able to confirm that the Jobs Growth Wales programme has not provided support for any job opportunities within this industry.
“My officials undertake thorough quality assurance checks of all jobs prior to advertising and the contracted Managing Agents carry out Health & Safety vetting visits to all employers’ premises to ensure participants are entering a safe environment.
“We would not support any job opportunities in this industry.”
Mrs Evans concluded: “I am very pleased by the Deputy Minister’s reassurances.
“At the last count, Jobs Growth Wales has helped more than 8,000 16-24 year olds into work. Our Wales-grown Welsh Government’s approach is out performing the UK Government’s scheme in terms of the relative quantity of jobs we are creating, as well as the quality of jobs we are offering.”
