Ryanair told to remove ‘misleading’ adverts following thousands of complaints
Britain's advertising watchdog has told Ryanair to remove their 'misleading' travel ads after the body received more than 2,000 complaints from viewers.
Britain’s advertising watchdog has told Ryanair to remove its ‘misleading’ travel campaign after the body received more than 2,000 complaints from viewers.
The airline’s recent TV ads were accompanied by the slogan ‘Jab & Go‘ – in reference to COVID-19 vaccines.
A voiceover on the adverts promised that “vaccines are coming – so book your Easter and summer holidays with Ryanair”, proposing holiday destinations such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece.
But the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has denounced the campaign, claiming that “the ads misleadingly provided consumers with a reassurance that being vaccinated against COVID-19 was likely to allow them to go on holiday without restrictions.”
The ASA added: “It’s important that all travel companies take particular care, at a time of significant uncertainty about when lockdown restrictions will end, not to mislead or over exaggerate when it will be possible for people to go on holiday.”
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Ryanair said it disagreed with the “baseless” ruling, but has pulled the advertisements regardless.
A spokesperson for the airline commented: “The ASA’s ruling flies in the face of the UK’s successful vaccine rollout, however even though this ruling is baseless, Ryanair will comply with it and the Jab & Go adverts will not run again.”
Ryanair’s ‘Jab & Go’ campaign had been part of its mission to increase bookings following an extremely tough year – with the airline recording enormous losses since the beginning of the pandemic.
This week, the firm revealed that traffic was down 88% to ‘1.3 million guests’.
It also reported a Q3 loss of €306m – compared to a Q3 profit of €88m in the previous year.
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The company’s latest financial statement said that 2021 was set to be the “most challenging year in Ryanair’s 35 year history,” predicting the airline could face “a net loss of between €850m and €950m.”
Strict travel rules have kept hundreds of flights grounded in 2021 – with new rules requiring passengers entering the UK to show proof of a negative COVID test and isolate for 10 days upon arrival.
People visiting or returning from 30 ‘high-risk’ countries must stay in specific accommodation for 10 days.
Restrictions are expected to remain in place for some weeks, with the travel industry looking ahead to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap for exiting lockdown – due to be announced on the week of February 22.
Manchester Airport’s grand opening of its multi-million revamp of Terminal 2 has also been delayed until at least April, but the first images of the transport hub appeared online earlier this week.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
3rd February 2021 
