UNITED KINGDOM—Yes, it's true, in addition to spurring new laws and policies that force domestic ISPs to filter adult websites for everyone but those adults who have the intestinal fortitude to request access to the filth, the British government is also offering subsidies, called "wage incentives," for jobs in adult entertainment. Some people think it's a bad idea, however, including a Labour Party MP named Fiona Mactaggart who wants the subsidies ... er, wage incentives, scotched.
"I do not think parents would welcome this Government-sponsored recruitment into the sex industry," she told one British paper, and said elsewhere, "Parents don’t want their daughters working in these environments. Taxpayers should not subsidize teens into this kind of work."
It all sounds incredibly confusing. After all, why would the same government decrying the abuse inherent in porn then turn around and offer financial help to gain employment in the very same industry, potentially exposing the target age group of 18- to 24-year-olds to further abuse as sex puppets of the damned?
Because they aren't, that's why.
The government is indeed offering subsidies for jobs in adult entertainment, but not for anything resembling sex work. Indeed, as the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) listing makes abundantly clear, support for the following positions is not available for the following positions:
* Lap/pole/table/dancers
* Web-cam performers
* Male/Female Escorts
* Masseuse/masseur in saunas/massage parlors
* Strippers
* Porn actors/actresses
* Glamour models
* Presenters/hosts/dancers for adult channels on digital TV
* Sex chat-line operators
* Strippograms
* Kissograms
* Topless bar staff
* Topless cleaners
* Dominatrix
* Mud wrestlers/cat fighters
* Dance troupes (e.g. burlesque, Chippendale)
A further clarification states, "The Wage Incentive can be considered for jobs placed within the adult entertainment industry but must only be for the purposes of:
* Selling (retailing), manufacturing and distributing of adult entertainment products
* Those involved in the sale, manufacture, distribution and display of sex related products;
* Auxiliary workers in lap/pole dancing clubs – e.g. bar staff, door staff, receptionists or cleaners;
* Auxiliary workers in strip clubs – e.g. bar staff, door staff, receptionists or cleaners;
* Auxiliary workers in saunas/massage parlours e.g. bar staff, door staff, receptionists or clearers;
* Glamour mode photographers;
* Webcam operators;
* TV camera operators, sound technicians, producers/directors for adult channels on digital TV;
* TV camera operators, sound technicians, producers/directors for pornographic films.
In addition, the DWP cautions, "If any doubts arise about the suitability of a job please contact your performance manager for advice."
As far as subsidy amounts goes, "Employers who take on young people may be eligible for wage incentives of up to £2,275 each."
Assuming the positions are there, not a bad deal all the way around, assuming MP Mactaggart doesn't succeed in denying those subsidized positions to those who need and want them.
Which also begs the question, why is the British government so open-minded about adult industry work and not the United States government? We sure could use some help around this office! (hint-hint)
Photo: Potential applicants.
