Advertisers and media should distinguish clearly between offers of employment, business opportunities and training courses.
Employment marketing communications should correspond to genuine vacancies and should not require interested respondents to send money for further details. Terms and conditions should not be misrepresented and any earnings forecast should be realistic. If income is earned from a basic salary and commission, or commission only, this should be made clear.
Vacancies should be accurately described with sufficient detail to ensure that respondents are aware of the scope and duties likely to be involved, and whether the position is for temporary or permanent work.
Employment agencies and employment businesses should make clear in their marketing communications their full names and contact details.
Marketing communications for business opportunities should not mislead participants as to:
(a) the nature of the work involved
(b) the amount of support available
(c) the extent of any financial investment required
(d) the potential earnings.
Where a marketing communication does not contain the name and address of the advertiser, it is the responsibility of media to be satisfied as to the advertiser’s identity and bona fides.
Marketing communications for homework schemes in which respondents make articles, perform services or offer facilities at, or from, home should contain a clear description of the work and should make clear whether the homeworker will be an employee or will be self-employed. Any forecast of earnings should be based on the experience of current homeworkers. If it is a new scheme, no realistic forecast of earnings can be made and none
should be given in the marketing communication. Where a marketing communication does not contain the name and address of the advertiser, it is the responsibility of media to be satisfied as to the advertiser’s identity and bona fides.
Details of charges imposed by the advertiser for machines, components or raw materials should be available to respondents before they are committed to any scheme.
If the advertiser intends to buy back the goods produced by the homeworker, all relevant information should be supplied before any binding obligation or investment is made by the respondent. Homeworkers should be fully informed in advance as to the existence and content of any limitations that might affect their decision to accept the advertiser’s offer before being committed to participate.
Advertisers should not exaggerate the support available to homeworkers.
Marketing communications for training and instruction courses should make no promise of employment unless a job is guaranteed. The duration of the course and the level of attainment needed to embark on it should be made clear.
Directories
Marketing communications for directories giving details of employment or business opportunities should indicate plainly the nature of what is being offered.