Published on:
05
November 2015
As part of National Consumer Week 2015 local consumers are being urged to get to grips with the new provisions in the Consumer Rights Act to avoid frustration when giving and receiving gifts this Christmas.
Know Your New Rights is the theme of National Consumer Week which runs from 2-6 November, aimed at empowering consumers to shop with confidence. It is hoped that focusing consumers' minds during the busy Christmas period will help them to understand their new rights which they can exercise all year round.
Clackmannanshire Trading Standards Service is joining other local authorities up and down the country to support the campaign by helping businesses to understand their responsibilities under the act. The campaign is run by Citizens Advice, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Cllr Donald Balsillie, Convener of Environment and Enterprise, said: "Clackmannanshire Council Trading Standards is keen to help businesses and ensure they don't fall foul of the law. Taking a responsible and proactive approach can help avoid difficulties further down the line, which is better for the business and the customer. Businesses that understand their customers' rights can also expect repeated and trouble-free custom from them.
"Retailers are responsible for training their staff but consumers should spend a few minutes familiarising themselves with the new laws too. Consumers who know their rights shop with confidence, saving time and money, which is good for all concerned."
"People should consider their rights whenever they make a purchase but they may wish to take extra care at Christmas. Nobody wants to give or receive a defective product but it is important to know how to resolve any issues, should they arise."
Free impartial consumer advice is available from the Trading Standards team. Log onto ClacksWeb or contact 01786 443322 or tradingstandards@clacks.gov.uk
Free business advice on a host of trading standards legislation is available on the government-sponsored website or by contacting the Trading Standards team.