Civil servants mocked singer Tom Jones in the early years of his life for "non enthusiasm" when it came to searching for jobs.

Newly discovered records at employment office in South Wales report Jones' lack of interest in doing regular job.

"He does not want shift work 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," the Telegraph quoted from a note dated December 1963.

It added: "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 seems 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..."

An entry dated March 1964 stated: "No change in employment position but his vocal group is contemplating turning professional within next month or so..."

A month later, the records read: "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 in July 1964, said: "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."

However, seven months later, Jones released his first single, 'It's Not Unusual,' which rocketed to number one on the charts.

Mullock's in Ludlow, Shropshire, will auction the records on April 15. (ANI)