Bra advert banned for claiming to ‘reduce risk of breast cancer’ – Daily Telegraph
‘An advert for a bra has been banned for claiming it reduces the risk of breast cancer.’
Daily Telegraph, 24th June 2020
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Category: consumer protection
Novel foods regulation: Getting your product to the UK market – 3PB
‘Foods that fall within the definition of “novel food” must have market authorisation before they can be legally marketed in the UK. This article examines what novel foods are and the authorisation process to allow novel food products to reach the UK market. This article touches upon, but does not address at length, the process in respect of “traditional foods from third countries”.’
3PB, 5th June 2020
Source: www.3pb.co.uk
90% of law firms “breaching transparency rules” – Legal Futures
‘The news comes with the regulator planning to step up its checks.’
Legal Futures, 15th June 2020
Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk
Supreme Court hears argument on whether £14 billion consumer competition class action should proceed against Mastercard – Exchange Chambers
‘The Supreme Court last week heard Mastercard’s appeal seeking to prevent a proposed class action on behalf of 46 million consumers valued at £14 billion from proceeding against it. The case is interesting not merely from the perspective of whether the “juggernaut” of a claim should proceed against Mastercard but also because of its impact on other competition law class actions waiting in the wings and its influence more generally on how the fledgling competition law class action regime will develop in the UK.’
Exchange Chambers, 22nd May 2020
Source: www.exchangechambers.co.uk
Watchdog launches probe into fake and misleading online product reviews – Daily Telegraph
‘A consumer watchdog has launched a probe into the sale of fake product reviews which it fears could mislead shoppers.’
Daily Telegraph, 22nd May 2020
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Consumer Protection in the time of Covid-19 – Henderson Chambers
‘The Competition and Market Authority (“CMA”) has set up a task force to take action against companies which it considers are breaching consumer laws in the way in which they are dealing with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic (for example, companies refusing to provide cash refunds for goods and services which have been disrupted). The CMA has robust enforcement powers such that businesses would be wise to be careful as to how they balance their commercial interests with consumer rights in these difficult times.’
Henderson Chambers, 13th May 2020
Coronavirus: Watchdog threatens legal action on holiday refunds – BBC News
‘Firms that fail to refund people for holidays and weddings cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak could face legal action by the consumer watchdog.’
BBC News, 30th April 2020
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Aviation during Covid-19: Defending passenger claims – The 36 Group
‘The aviation sector is in unchartered territory. Passenger air travel across the globe has virtually come to a halt, with no immediate end in sight. The plethora of issues facing airlines include rights and obligations arising out of aircraft leasing, accepting state aid to stay afloat and the prospect of passenger claims arising out of the cancellation of flights. In this article, we consider the legal implications of cancelling flights pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 [“the Regulation”].’
The 36 Group, 7th April 2020
Source: 36group.co.uk
UK drivers win first round in VW ‘dieselgate’ case – BBC News
‘Thousands of UK motorists have won the first stage of a High Court action against Volkswagen over the installation of emissions cheating devices in its diesel vehicles.’
BBC News, 6th April 2020
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
New UK taskforce to crack down on coronavirus profiteers – The Guardian
‘The competition watchdog is setting up a coronavirus taskforce to crack down on companies that cash in during the outbreak by bumping up prices or exploiting people’s fears with misleading claims about products.’
The Guardian, 20th March 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
Consumer panel urges more fixed fees and SRA fining powers – Legal Futures
‘More use of fixed fees and an increase in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) fining powers are among recommendations made today by the Legal Services Consumer Panel.’
Legal Futures, 19th March 2020
Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk
Gambling firm Betway hit with record £11.6m penalty – BBC News
‘Online betting firm Betway has been hit with a record penalty of £11.6m for failings over customer protection and money-laundering checks.’
BBC news, 12th March 2020
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Trading standards wins landmark prosecution of ticket touts – Local Government Lawyer
‘Yorkshire trading standards officers have helped to secure the first successful prosecution against a company fraudulently reselling event tickets on a large scale.’
Local Government Lawyer, 20th February 2020
Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk
Gambling watchdog bans credit cards for online betting sites – The Guardian
‘Gambling businesses are to be banned from allowing consumers in Great Britain to use credit cards to bet from 14 April, the Gambling Commission has announced.’
The Guardian, 14th January 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
UK water companies ordered to cut bills by £50 by 2025 – The Guardian
‘Ofwat, the water regulator, has ordered water companies in England and Wales to cut bills for customers by £50 over five years and spend £51bn on improving services and investment in infrastructure.’
The Guardian, 16th December 2019
Source: www.theguardian.com
Alleged tout given suspended sentence over sale of Wimbledon tickets – The Guardian
‘An alleged tout who said he would rather go to prison than “grass up” his boss, who prosecutors claim is a reality TV star, has been handed a six-month suspended prison sentence over the sale of Wimbledon tickets.’
The Guardian, 29th November 2019
Source: www.theguardian.com
Outdated ombudsman rules frustrate consumers – The Guardian
‘Customers are being left out of pocket because of arcane rules that force them to wait eight weeks before they can take unresolved complaints to an ombudsman.’
The Guardian, 17th November 2019
Source: www.theguardian.com
