RED-FACED jobcentre bosses have apologised after Trago Mills was refused permission to advertise for a Father Christmas.

The Trago store in the Glyn Valley wanted to place an advertisement for a Father Christmas at the Liskeard Jobcentre but was told such an advert would be discriminatory.

Store boss Bruce Robertson was furious and fired off a letter to the organisation responsible for jobcentres saying: "I was absolutely astounded to be told by our store manageress that you are unable to accept our advert for the position of 'Father' Christmas because that in itself would be discriminatory.

"I have never heard anything so patently ridiculous in my life, even in these times of insane political correctness.

Ruling

"I am not of religious persuasion but I'm wondering what your ruling would be if we decided to augment our Father Christmas offer with a live nativity? May I advertise for Three Wise Men or does it have to be three wise transvestites. And what on earth do I do in the case of Joseph and Mary?"

Mr Robertson went on to say that although he was at that moment a justifiably angry man, he was ultimately open-minded and reasonable.

He said, therefore, that he guaranteed to be entirely impartial in his selection and appointment of a Father/Mother Christmas if any person supplied by Liskeard Jobcentre matched certain criteria

He said this person, if female, should therefore have a deep voice, whiskers, a big belly and no readily discernable bosom.

Yesterday the Government's Department of Work and Pensions said: "We apologise for this mistake.

Sanity

"The vacancy is now being advertised. The advert was pending due to routine procedures."

Mr Robertson told the Cornish Times yesterday that Trago had always enjoyed a first class relationship with its local jobcentre and that the problem over the advert was the result of "centralisation to a politically correct outfit.

"In reality this means there is hardly any contact with our local jobcentres. A return to sanity and the old regime would be a blessing.

"This pedantic political correctness has resulted in the delay in suitable candidates becoming employed and providing enjoyment for all in the run-up to Christmas."