Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the Advertising Standards Authority.
The Code states that employment agencies and employment businesses must make clear in their marketing communications their full names and contact details. Marketing communications should also state, in relation to each position advertised, whether it is for temporary or permanent work (Rule 20.3).
The Copy Advice team is sometimes asked about what constitutes adequate ‘contact details’: would it be enough to state only a telephone number or an e-mail address or is the full address required? In February 2005, an overseas agency that quoted a non-geographic telephone number (0870) was told to state its address because, without it, readers could mistakenly infer that the agency was based in the UK (International Film Extras, 2 February 2005).
Rule 9.1 of the Code states “Distance selling marketing communications must make clear the marketer’s identity and geographic address; that information must be given in a form that can be retained by consumers”.
In the absence of a clear steer from the ASA, CAP recommends that, at a minimum, employment agencies and employment businesses should state at least a telephone number. Marketers may, however, want to consider including their full geographical address. That advice might change if an ASA ruling suggests it should.
Last modified : 07 February 2011