It is ideal for anyone who can't see a future in the world of work. The Government's National Careers Service is offering job seekers the chance to train as tarot card readers.

The service, which is run by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), is recommending a series of short online courses which include a certificate in tarot card reading.

The ten-hour course will equip participants with the skills necessary to 'pursue a career in tarot card reading' or to offer 'comfort to loved ones in times of need'.

It includes sections on the history of tarot card reading, the meaning behind individual cards 'in the Suit of Cups' and how to 'select the ideal spread to suit individual concerns'.

MPs last night criticised the National Careers Service (NCS) for recommending courses which they say are not designed to equip job seekers with viable employment skills.

Reform MP Lee Anderson said: 'This is great news for jobseekers who have no intention of ever finding a job. 

'Some may be tempted into a tarot card reading certificate to see which of their working friends are happy to have their hard-earned taxes spent on this nonsense.'

The NCS, set up in 2012, provides free careers advice and help for anyone aged 13 and over. 

A ten-hour course on so called 'colour therapy' shows trainees how colours can be used to 'treat illness' and 'balance energies in the body'.

Tory MP Joy Morrissey, a member of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee, said. 'Is this the most appropriate way of helping people back into the jobs market? I don't think so...'

A Shaw Trust spokesman said: 'As one of the providers of NCS, we try to match people with opportunities that they are interested in and could lead to some real work for them.'

A DWP spokesman said: 'Providers are only paid when learners complete a genuine and recognised Ofqual approved qualification or learning accredited by an established professional organisation.'