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Dream Jobs
Katonia House
7 Buller Road
Laindon
Essex
SS15 6BA Complaint:
The National Group on Homeworking objected to a magazine advertisement and follow-up material for employment opportunities. The magazine advertisement was headed "PEOPLE WANTED"; it stated "Huge range of exciting things to choose from.
Excellent rates (All areas), No previous experience needed! Film/TV Extras/Models/Writers/Proof-readers. Cruiseship Workers / Nanny's / Overseas / Home based Jobs / Etc.Etc. Full time and part time (Loads of other things)". The follow-up material included a leaflet that was headed "Katonia House"; it contained boxes that detailed publications including "MAKE IT IN MUSIC", "BECOME A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR!", "OWN A CREDIT CARD" and "DESIGNER CLOTHES AT NEXT TO NOTHING". At the back of the leaflet was an order form for the featured publications that required payment of £9.95 per publication and included one entitled "COMPLETE HOMEWORK DIRECTORY". The complainants objected that: 1. the magazine advertisement misleadingly implied that work and not publications were available from the advertisers;
2. the magazine advertisement did not detail any required payment; and
3. the follow-up material misleadingly implied work could be found in the publication "The Complete Homeworkers Directory". Codes Section: 3.1, 7.1, 54.4 (Ed 10)
Adjudication:
1 & 2. Complaints upheld The advertisers said they tried to comply with trading standards and advertising regulations and, after being told of the complaint, had taken steps to ensure their advertising complied with the Codes. The advertisers sent a new copy of the advertisement that they believed was acceptable. The Authority considered that the original advertisement misleadingly implied work was being offered. It considered that the new version of the advertisement made clear publications were for sale. The Authority noted the new advertisement stated that the booklets detailed job opportunities and vacancies and asked the advertisers to ensure they held substantiation to show that work was being offered in the booklets. The Authority nevertheless welcomed the advertisers' co-operation and remedial action. 3. Complaint upheld The advertisers explained that they had always offered a money back guarantee and had included a disclaimer in the directory that stated they could not vouch for the companies listed or the claimed earnings. They said, however, that they recognised their responsibility to ensure false or misleading claims of work were not made and had therefore withdrawn The Complete Homeworkers Directory and the follow-up mailing in which it was advertised. The Authority considered that the advertisers had not substantiated work could be found in The Complete Homeworkers Directory and welcomed their assurance they would no longer claim that it did. |
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