• The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is now in force.
• The Act updates the laws governing every business selling directly to consumers. The updated law will mean consumers and businesses will find it easier to resolve problems with faulty goods, substandard services and digital content. This will save businesses and consumers time and money.
• For the first time, consumers have clear legal rights for digital content. Specifically, consumers have the right to a repair or replacement of faulty digital content such as online films and games, music downloads, and e-books.

• For the first time there are clear rules for what should happen if a service is not carried out with reasonable care and skill or as agreed with the consumer.

• Consumers now have 30 days to return faulty goods and get a full refund. The law was previously unclear on how long this period should last.

The ‘Consumer Right Summary’ which businesses can download and print, explains some of the key changes: http://www.businesscompanion.info/en/news-and-updates/consumer-rights-act

 Information and guidance is available for business online:  http://www.businesscompanion.info

Other key changes include:

• Making it easier for consumers to challenge terms and conditions which are not fair or are hidden in the small print
• Businesses getting written notice for routine inspections by public enforcers, such as Trading Standards
• Alternative Dispute Resolution providers will be available to all businesses to help when a dispute cannot be settled directly with the consumer.