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28/04/2010
Misleading British Gas Advert Banned
A misleading British Gas advertisement has been banned by a watchdog authority.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the TV advert that implied British Gas would attend same day call-outs, even over Christmas.
The ASA received 11 complaints from viewers who claimed the ad gave the impression British Gas would attend all call-outs and carry out repairs on the same day, particularly over the Christmas period.
During the ad the voice-over said: "You can reach us every day. Even over Christmas."
British Gas Services Ltd said it had not intended to advertise the speed of their response, but rather demonstrate to viewers that its call centres would remain open and maintain the same level of service over Christmas.
The company believed a high level of service had been achieved despite adverse weather conditions during the festive period, which affected their ability to respond to same-day and next-day call-out requests at the level expected.
The ASA upheld the complaints, noting that the advert gave the "overall impression" that customers could expect an engineer to attend on the same day that a problem was reported.
"Because this level of performance could not always be achieved, the ad was likely to mislead," it said.
(LB/GK)
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the TV advert that implied British Gas would attend same day call-outs, even over Christmas.
The ASA received 11 complaints from viewers who claimed the ad gave the impression British Gas would attend all call-outs and carry out repairs on the same day, particularly over the Christmas period.
During the ad the voice-over said: "You can reach us every day. Even over Christmas."
British Gas Services Ltd said it had not intended to advertise the speed of their response, but rather demonstrate to viewers that its call centres would remain open and maintain the same level of service over Christmas.
The company believed a high level of service had been achieved despite adverse weather conditions during the festive period, which affected their ability to respond to same-day and next-day call-out requests at the level expected.
The ASA upheld the complaints, noting that the advert gave the "overall impression" that customers could expect an engineer to attend on the same day that a problem was reported.
"Because this level of performance could not always be achieved, the ad was likely to mislead," it said.
(LB/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
