Government cracking down on unfair selling

Among the 31 types of unfair practices, the new law will protect consumers by outlawing a host of deceptive and intimidating sales practices that are unfair but not currently illegal. It will also benefit honest businesses, by simplifying consumer protection legislation and clamping down on rogue traders.

 

The new law will dramatically improve consumer protection and will establish a safety net to catch unfair practices that fall between existing rules.

 

Consumer Minister, Ian McCartney said: "Whether shopping on the high street or online, consumers have a right to be sold to honestly and fairly. This new protection will make life a lot tougher for the rogues and easier for legitimate businesses to operate."

 

The UCPD will replace and improve on provisions in 22 pieces of existing legislation. It will simplify consumer protection legislation and establish a modern framework fit for the 21st Century that is easy for consumers and businesses to understand.

 

This law introduces a general prohibition on unfair trading (mainly unfair marketing and selling practices), and will standardise the level of consumer protection across the EU, allowing consumers to shop with more confidence at home or abroad.

 By Martin Huckle