A new publication to fight misleading job and business opportunity advertisements was launched by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel today.*
In consultation with the Australian Publishers' Bureau and Job Watch, a Victorian community law centre specialising in employment law, the ACCC has produced a guide aimed at educating staff responsible for placing employment advertisements in newspapers and online publications.
The guide details the effect of the Trade Practices Act 1974 on advertisements for job or business opportunities, specifically addressing common practices which may raise concern.
Recognising the fact that the Internet is now a popular avenue for job advertisements, the guide also addresses concerns which are unique 'online'.
"Examples of misleading job ads include advertisements which fail to give key details – such as the type of work involved or the remuneration basis – or advertisements for training courses that are disguised as job ads, and often involve significant fees to the jobseeker.
"Publishers are the first line of defence against such ads", Mr Samuel said. "The guidelines will help publishers and their staff to vet ads and protect their readers - and their reputations.
"The ACCC would much rather work with organisations to prevent damaging behaviour occurring than taking action after the event", he said. "This publication is an example of this preventative, educative approach".
Misleading Job and Business Opportunity Ads: How to handle them is available free from ACCC offices in all capital cities and Townsville; from the ACCC website; or from the Infocentre 1300 302 502 (cost of a local call).
* Mr Samuel was speaking at the headquarters of the Herald and Weekly Times in Melbourne today. A copy of his address will be available on the ACCC website. (see links below)