Unemployed single parents are receiving free massages and beauty treatments - paid for by taxpayers.

Under the Government-backed scheme, being tested around the country, they are being given the treats to 'boost their confidence'.

So far, more than 1,000 people, mainly women, have taken advantage of 'pamper days' at salons as part of the project, called Big Brother. It has been justified on the grounds that if jobless people are happier and more presentable, it will be easier for them to find work.

A teenage girl who works in a salon used by the single parents was critical of the initiative. 'They didn't look like they needed their confidence boosting - they were all very loud,' said the girl, who did not want to be identified.

'They seemed to have a really good time. One of them was talking into her mobile phone and laughing and joking with a friend about how she was still drunk from the night before when she woke up that morning. Many of them had tattoos and were wearing crop-tops.'

'When you think of all the staff needed to organise this, as well as the fancy leaflets, it must cost a fortune. My daughter earns the minimum wage in the salon while she studies at college. She doesn't get a penny from the Government and earns less than these single mothers get in benefits. What message does this send out to teenage girls?'

Steve Munzer, head of marketing for the project, said last night: 'Some of these women really lack confidence. Many have been out of work for a long time and some are even scared to leave the house. They are taken to buy interview clothes, treated to a massage and sometimes a facial. It's nice if they do find work but success is not necessarily judged on that.'