Public Servant Lifestyle

Millions of people are set to benefit from a government crack down on aggressive and unfair trading and selling practices.

Now the Consumer Minister, Ian McCartney has published a consultation that will implement the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD).

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.

Among the thirty-one types of unfair practices it will outlaw are:

Prize draw scams, such as those that con people into calling premium-rate phone numbers

Bogus closing down sales

Refusing to leave a customer's home when asked to do so

Making persistent and unwanted telephone calls encouraging consumers to buy products such as double glazing

Preying on elderly peoples' fears about their personal security to sell them burglar alarms

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

Ian McCartney said: "This law will give the cowboys nowhere to hide. It will crack down on underhand sales practices that are all too often used to back consumers into a corner. Traders who use bully-boy tactics have no right to pressure people into buying goods, often at rip-off prices.

"Elderly and vulnerable consumers will be given greater protection against rogue traders who use the hard sell to get what they want or prey on their fears and worries about living alone.

"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."

John Fingleton, Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading said: "This is a great step forward for everyone who wants to see markets where businesses compete fairly and consumers choose what to buy on the basis of clear, honest information with no harassment. It will allow the OFT and other enforcers to focus our efforts on the worst practices, such as scams and the intimidation of consumers least able to protect themselves.

"We think the joint Guidance, drawn up with stakeholders, will help understanding of the law and make compliance easier. We look forward to improving it further through this consultation."

The UCPD will replace and improve on provisions in twenty-two 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.

The EC Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) was adopted on 11 May 2005.

For more information visit the Department for Trade & Industry website: www.dti.gov.uk

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