Advert for trainee mortgage adviser 'kept quiet' about training costs

Friday 17th February 2012

A job advert for a trainee mortgage adviser which said no experience was necessary did not mention that applicants would have to pay for their own training.

The Advertising Standards Authority has banned it from appearing again, after a job applicant replied to the advert, which read: “Trainee Mortgage Advisor - No Experience Necessary - Up to £28k”, and was sent a web link to a training programme.

Further text in the advert had stated: “The trainee mortgage advisor role does not need to be CeMap qualified as full CeMap training will be provided by the employer.”

The complainant challenged whether the job listing was genuine and therefore whether the ad was misleading.

Baker Coop, a recruitment firm with offices in Canary Wharf, asked for the full version of the ad to be considered and this read: “This programme is ideal for graduates or those interested for a career in the Financial Sector. The basic salary of £28,000 can be expected after training. For candidates without experience (CeMap qualification) the fee for the training programme starts from £1,195. You can pay by instalment if you are successful after the interview stage. Graduates may be eligible for a scholarship to cover part of the fees.”

The ASA said that Baker Coop did not specifically respond to the complaint or provide evidence to demonstrate that the listing was genuine.

The ASA upheld the complaint and has told Baker Coop that it must make it clear in future ads where employees are liable for the cost of training.