JOBSEEKERS are being encouraged to become escorts by the promise of high wages in an advert placed in Bolton's JobCentre Plus.

The advert, placed by Newcastle-based Christony Companions, promises those who work as escorts -- accompanying clients on dates -- will be able to earn between £80 to £100 an hour for up to five days a week.

One jobseeker said the adverts could make vulnerable people who are looking for a job feel obliged to apply.

And following other complaints, the matter could be raised in the House of Commons by Bolton South-east MP Dr Brian Iddon.

But Christony Companions boss John Dockerty said the firm is above board and reputable, some jobseekers say such adverts should not be placed in the Jobcentre Plus, an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Mr Dockerty said 300 people had already applied for the job and those applying could work from five to 35 hours a week for one to five days.

But for people who have been on benefits and are desperately seeking a job, the temptation could be too great, according to jobseeker Yvonne Knight, of Tonge Fold, who brought the advert to the attention of JobCentre managers and has fears about the nature of the job.

She said: "This advert was placed under the travel, tourism and leisure section on the JobCentre computer which is how I came to spot it.

"I was shocked -- allowing this in the JobCentre gives this type of work a kind of validity.

"I wouldn't like my daughter, mother or friend going for something like this and I'm sure many other people wouldn't."

In the description, Christony Companions claims "No previous experience required. Duties include accompanying clients for dinner dates, theatre dates and other special engagements."

Mr Dockerty said: "We do not consider the positions to be inappropriately advertised. The amount of inquiries that we have received seems to prove that there are many people out there interested in this type of work.

"We are a UK registered company and we are welcoming applications from ladies and gentlemen throughout the country.

"The work advertised can be well paid and has hours to suit almost all applicants and is purely for ladies and gentlemen to accompany our already extensive portfolio of clients."

He said his company had been running for five years and had established a good reputation.

But Dr Iddon said: "I'm not happy about this. I may raise it on the floor in the House of Commons."

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "As long as advertisements are legal and not discriminatory, then there is no reason why a firm cannot advertise in a JobCentre.

"This was established in a case involving the Ann Summers chain of shops."