YNOT EUROPE – A help-wanted ad seeking adult entertainment workers has been pulled from Jobcentre Plus unemployment offices in England because of concern about the advert’s legitimacy.

Reportedly submitted by the live-cam website Faceclick.co.uk, the ad offered up to £700 per week to young men, women and couples at least 18 years of age who are willing to engage in sexually explicit conversations — and more, depending upon their comfort level — with internet users.

That Jobcentre Plus offices, which are tax-funded, would allow an adult entertainment company to advertise such positions outraged citizens and government officials alike when the Birmingham Mail broke the story earlier this month.

Late last week, the Department for Work and Pensions, under the auspices of which Jobcentre Plus operates, said the ad was removed because Jobcentre employees had been unable to confirm it was genuine.

“To make sure jobs advertised with us are genuine, we will approach employers for further information,” a DWP spokesman said. “If we aren’t able to get the information we need, we will withdraw the advert until we can.”

Watchdog organization Mediawatch-UK remains on alert about the posting, concerned legal pressure may cause the unemployment offices to re-post the employment opportunity. According to a DWP spokesman, the centres are required to post all ads that offer legal employment, whether or not everyone considers the positions moral. In 2003, the department lost a High Court battle to erotic clothing retailer Ann Summers, which successfully argued it should be allowed to list its vacancies with Jobcentre Plus.

“Can you imagine being the parent of an 18-year-old who is sent down to the job centre and offered that sort of job?” a Mediawatch-UK spokeswoman said. “It’s just one step away from prostitution, and it’s hardly a meaningful job for life is it?”

Birmingham Member of Parliament Khalid Mahmood has demanded an official inquiry into Jobcentre Plus policies.