I WAS dismayed and disgusted, although not surprised, to read that Jobcentres are advertising for men and women to act as honey traps (Wanted: Flirts to set traps, September 4).

What an abysmal picture it paints of anybody, man or woman, who could be nasty and devious enough to want a job of this nature.

Possibly, however, not as nasty and devious as people who stoop to a level low enough to consider employing them.

What possible pleasure or satisfaction can anyone gain by knowing that, through one's actions, someone has suffered indignity, personal devastation, possible divorce and financial ruin?

Of course, the popularity of programmes such as Big Brother, Celebrity and the Weakest Link proves there must be many people who would welcome a chance to be mean and spiteful to their fellow men and women.

To get paid for the pleasure would only serve to heighten their enjoyment.

It puts me in mind of the story-line in Coronation Street when the horrible Karen laid a honey trap for Dev and succeeding in breaking up a happy relationship.

Of course, like most of the soaps' nastiest characters - for example, the Street's other devil woman, Tracey Barlow and the even more poisonous Janine Butcher of EastEnders - Karen got off scot-free, but that at least was only a story.

I would like to think that there will be no takers, but that would be having too much faith in some of today's peoples' human nature, I'm afraid!

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick,

York.

Updated: 11:25 Saturday, September 06, 2003