News
Plain English campaign news articles
Long-winded terms and conditions
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- Created on Monday, 07 July 2014 10:18
HSBC head up a list of banking offenders hiding behind ludicrously long-winded terms and conditions.
The list, compiled as part of research by consumer group Fairer Finance, also embarrasses Norwich & Peterborough Building Society, Metro Bank, Natwest and Halifax, who all carry terms and conditions that somehow manage to run on incomprehensibly for over 25,000 words. HSBC’s terms and conditions, clocking in at a grim 34,162 words, are 5000 words longer than George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Stop this EU nonsense now!
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- Created on Friday, 30 May 2014 16:36
The EU is moving further and further away from Plain English, according to European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly.
Her survey scathingly concludes that, not only is English misused and abused in the ‘Brussels Bubble’, it's been mangled and re-appropriated to the extent that it's now akin to a unique ‘sub dialect’.
O'Reilly, appointed by Parliament to oversee exactly how The European Union goes about its day-to-day business, is highly critical of the implications of what’s happening to English in the “bubble” in question. Mainly, that it’s at a far remove from largely proper use or corrective influence, and prone to the same kind of abuse and misuse that has meant that most types of business English, for example, are often nonsensical.
Travel/house insurance issues? Let us know.
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- Created on Thursday, 17 April 2014 11:08
We’re well aware of underhand tactics regarding jargon-riddled payment schemes, deliberate pension confusion and general deception when it comes to your money.
And, in light of the first findings from the Financial Conduct Authority’s probe into travel and house insurance claims handling, we want to underline yet further examples of dodgy dealing.
Crystal Mark holder to appear on National TV
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- Created on Monday, 17 February 2014 09:50
The Will Writing Company Ltd (WWC), who were the first legal services company in the UK to gain Plain English Campaign’s Crystal Mark for the clarity of their Will precedents, are appearing on national TV in March.
Jargon irritates Midlanders
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- Created on Tuesday, 25 February 2014 10:01
Almost a third of people canvassed in the Midlands are not only bothered by the use of jargon but 'cringe' when they use it.
That’s amongst the findings of a recent survey, which also found that 94% of those questioned in the East Midlands think 'we use too much jargon', with a small number using jargon to appear 'more professional'.
The 'buzz-words' in question – including 'leveraging' and 'blue-sky thinking' – are far from on the wane in offices and boardrooms across the Midlands. But at least there’s a suggestion among these findings that some of those employing the terms are becoming aware of how hollow they are.
Our very own Steve Jenner suggested as much on this recent ITV News appearance.
Christmas closing
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- Created on Tuesday, 17 December 2013 09:44
We will be closing for the Christmas break from 4 pm 23 December 2021 and opening again at 9 am 3 January 2022.
Plain English awards announced
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- Created on Tuesday, 03 December 2013 22:40
The Plain English awards for 2013 have now been announced. Go to our awards page to see the winners, both good and bad.
Plain English Awards to be announced on 4 December
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- Created on Tuesday, 26 November 2013 16:18
The annual Plain English Awards will be announced on 4 December. As ever, we will use the occasion to draw attention to those doing their bit for plain English and clear communication. We will also point out a few examples from the other end of the clarity scale, including a few verbal clangers.
Read more: Plain English Awards to be announced on 4 December
