Five lessons on Consumer Protection Enforcement in the COVID-19 era

England and Wales

As we mark the one year anniversary since the UK Prime Minister first told the nation to “stay at home” here is our round-up of the five key take-away points for businesses in the COVID related consumer protection enforcement arena over the past year.

The CMA launched its COVID-19 taskforce as the pandemic took effect in the UK, designed “to identify, monitor and respond to competition and consumer problems arising from coronavirus and the measures taken to contain it”. Here are our top five lessons for businesses from the activities seen over the last year:

  • Cancellations and refunds have been the hot-topic of the year
  • There has been a narrow, sector specific focus
  • Businesses can push-back
  • Limited formal action taken
  • The playing field is not always level

We are likely to see an increase in enforcement activities over the course of this year, whether COVID related or otherwise, particularly as the CMA’s Draft Annual Plan for 2021/22 notes that protecting consumers and driving recovery during and after the coronavirus pandemic is a specific focus this year.

If your business has been approached by the CMA or if you would like to discuss a consumer law issue, please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists.