Unemployed offered free spray tans to help find work

The unemployed could be offered spray tans to help them back into work. The bronzing sessions, as well as massages and beauty treatments, are being offered by a new training centre in Aberdare, Wales, to boost people’s confidence ahead of important interviews. Jobless individuals who have been diligent in looking for work will be referred to The Wellbeing and Training Academy by the JobCentre and similar agencies, who will foot the bill for massages, manicures, waxing, facials, tinting and spray tans.

Friends Sarah Sweeden and Cerys Dutton set up The Wellbeing and Training Academy after ploughing £3,000 of their own money into the venture. They were also given extra funds by several local businesses and companies to help kick-start the not-for-profit business. It is a community interest company (CIC), which means all its profits are placed back into the organisation. Director Sarah Sweeden said: “We just want to give people that extra confidence  to give people the incentive to find work.



"We also wanted to recognise those who are doing their upmost to find employment by giving them a beauty treatment or a nice massage. This is a way of showing jobless people what they could have on a regular basis should they manage to find a job. It is a completely unique concept. As we have no targets to meet and no red tape, we have the time and experience to work with people on an individual basis.”

Both Sarah and Cerys, who make money by running their own businesses completely separate to this venture, decided to combine their expertise to form the company. As well as offering beauty treatments, the organisation offers tips on CVs, personal appearance, and nutrition. The JobCentre is also set to pay the academy to put on specific courses which it thinks may benefit those actively seeking work.

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