The last laugh

Today’s Guardian carries an article about a singer who went on to sell millions but who, in the 1960s was the subject of acerbic and sarcastic comments from employment office staff.

Found in a skip and now up for auction, the records include pointed remarks that mock the singer for signing on rather than signing autographs. The notes also reveal that he preferred not to do shift work because it interfered with his burgeoning pop career and, it would appear, donned dapper outfits when he attended the employment office in his native south Wales.

One comment from the employment office in December 1963 states: "He does not want shiftwork but I believe the reason for his not liking shifts is because he is a member of a vocal group which is supposedly an amateur affair.

"From the number of adverts one sees in the local press, however, it seems that this group has a good thing going … from the way he is able to dress, it would seem that Mr Woodward's little hobby is highly lucrative and this would also account for his non-enthusiasm in securing employment.... Consider and submit as soon as possible to anything which wouldn't dirty his fingernails! Nothing on offer at present …"

By March 1964 there is this comment: "No change in employment position but his vocal group is contemplating turning professional within next month or so …" A month later a civil servant noted: "His group has still not turned professional but they are in close contact with Decca Records and are awaiting notification as to when they will record their next record."

The final entry, written on 3 July 1964, makes interesting reading with the benefit of hindsight: "Claimant showed me a letter from Decca Studios confirming a recording session had been arranged. He has been talking about 'going professional' since April but he is still signing the UR [unemployment register] and not autograph books."

The records, contained on six buff-coloured cards, were found in a skip some years ago.

Richard Westwood-Brookes, from Mullock's auction house in Ludlow, Shropshire, which is selling the notes, said: "There are also some quite acerbic and sarcastic remarks made by the civil servants about him. The records set quite a scene with attractive Tom Jones in his tight trousers and smart clothes on one side of the desk and the civil servant on the other."

Sir Tom Jones turns 70 this year.