Menu
22/08/2012
A4e Not Allowed To Call Itself A 'Social Purpose Company'
A4e, the company at the centre of fraud allegations in relation to its government welfare-to-work contracts, has now been banned from calling itself a “social purpose company”.
The restriction is to ensure consumers do not mistake the company for a not-for-profit organisation.
The firm's website, mya4e.com, stated: "A4e is a social purpose company with one sole aim. To improve people's lives around the world. We do this by helping them find work, skills, direction – or whatever it is they need."
A complaint was made to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that the "social purpose" claim was likely to mislead consumers as to the nature of the business because it intended to generate a profit.
The ASA said: "Whilst we noted the ad made clear it was A4e's intention to improve people's lives by helping them secure employment or develop skills, we were concerned that individuals would understand the claim to mean A4e was a not-for-profit organisation.
"Because we understood that that was not the case, we concluded the claim was likely to mislead and breached the code."
Defending the wording, A4e said the focus of its business activities was to "achieve positive social outcomes", adding that the majority of its revenue was derived from contracts aimed at achieving long-term sustainable employment outcomes.
The ASA said the advert must not appear again in its current form and told A4e to ensure claims were not likely to mislead in future.
(H)
The restriction is to ensure consumers do not mistake the company for a not-for-profit organisation.
The firm's website, mya4e.com, stated: "A4e is a social purpose company with one sole aim. To improve people's lives around the world. We do this by helping them find work, skills, direction – or whatever it is they need."
A complaint was made to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that the "social purpose" claim was likely to mislead consumers as to the nature of the business because it intended to generate a profit.
The ASA said: "Whilst we noted the ad made clear it was A4e's intention to improve people's lives by helping them secure employment or develop skills, we were concerned that individuals would understand the claim to mean A4e was a not-for-profit organisation.
"Because we understood that that was not the case, we concluded the claim was likely to mislead and breached the code."
Defending the wording, A4e said the focus of its business activities was to "achieve positive social outcomes", adding that the majority of its revenue was derived from contracts aimed at achieving long-term sustainable employment outcomes.
The ASA said the advert must not appear again in its current form and told A4e to ensure claims were not likely to mislead in future.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 March 2012
Leaked Internal Audit Found 'Systematic Fraud' At A4e
A leaked document suggests that welfare-to-work firm A4e knew of widespread potential fraud and systemic failures by management to control it.
Leaked Internal Audit Found 'Systematic Fraud' At A4e
A leaked document suggests that welfare-to-work firm A4e knew of widespread potential fraud and systemic failures by management to control it.
07 March 2012
'Champagne Culture' Of A4e Revealed By Former Managers
Several former managers of A4e, the welfare-to-work company at the centre of fraud investigations, have told the Guardian newspaper the firm ‘has a culture of lavish trips abroad and big-spending hospitality.’ The company holds up to £180m worth of public contracts and all of its UK income comes from government contracts.
'Champagne Culture' Of A4e Revealed By Former Managers
Several former managers of A4e, the welfare-to-work company at the centre of fraud investigations, have told the Guardian newspaper the firm ‘has a culture of lavish trips abroad and big-spending hospitality.’ The company holds up to £180m worth of public contracts and all of its UK income comes from government contracts.
05 October 2009
City's Social Services 'Not Fit For Purpose'
Birmingham Social Service's child protection system has been slammed as "not fit for purpose" in a new report.
City's Social Services 'Not Fit For Purpose'
Birmingham Social Service's child protection system has been slammed as "not fit for purpose" in a new report.
25 April 2014
Bogus Social Worker Calls At House In Gloucestershire
Police and social care services in Gloucestershire are urging residents to be vigilant after a woman falsely claiming to be a social worker called on a house in Quedgeley and asked to carry out checks on a baby. The incident happened in Deerhurst Place in Quedgeley at around 2pm on Wednesday (23 April).
Bogus Social Worker Calls At House In Gloucestershire
Police and social care services in Gloucestershire are urging residents to be vigilant after a woman falsely claiming to be a social worker called on a house in Quedgeley and asked to carry out checks on a baby. The incident happened in Deerhurst Place in Quedgeley at around 2pm on Wednesday (23 April).
08 November 2010
Successful Scheme Planned For Adult Social Care
A successful scheme, which has seen children in care getting better help from independent social workers contracted to local authorities, will be extended to adult social care, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
Successful Scheme Planned For Adult Social Care
A successful scheme, which has seen children in care getting better help from independent social workers contracted to local authorities, will be extended to adult social care, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
