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UK: Rule change makes it easier for consumers to get paid from price-fixers

By  |  January 29, 2013

The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills has reportedly amended its rules that will now make it more likely that consumers harmed by companies’ competition abuses will be financially repaid. Companies found guilty of price-fixing will now be forced to offer redress (also known as class-action) on behalf of the consumers affected, and those consumers will have to opt-out of collective redress, whereas previously, consumers had to opt-in. Small businesses will also benefit from the change, which includes a “fast track regime” and declares the Competition Appeal Tribunal as the main court for competition actions in the UK. Also included in the alterations is an Alternative Dispute Resolution, which makes it easier for consumers or small businesses to settle disputes over allegations of larger corporations’ price-fixing outside of court.

 

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