18.02.2016
Commenting on the just-released Review of the UK’s System for the Recall of Unsafe Products, Phil Buckle, Director General of Electrical Safety First, said:
“We are delighted this long awaited Review has finally been published and offers recommendations we have long called for. Electrical Safety First has been raising awareness of the safety issues presented by dangerous recalled electrical goods – millions of which still exist in UK homes - for several years. We fully support the Review’s primary call for a method of coordinating the recall system - and for better sharing of information by the industry, which is something our annual product safety conferences have consistently highlighted.”
The Government’s response to the Review includes the development of an online recall ‘centre of excellence’, to provide a single point of reference for consumers and business. It has also committed itself to establishing an industry-led steering group to support this.
“ We would hope that our expertise in recalls and consumer protection would be of value to this enterprise”, adds Phil. “However, as the Review itself makes clear, without an effective and properly resourced market surveillance and enforcement system, both consumer safety and business reputations are being put at risk.”
This view is echoed by Carolyn Harris MP, who Chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Home Electrical Safety, who commented:
“With the limited success of recalls and well over 200 electrical items recalled in the last four years, it was evident that the system needed to be reviewed. I congratulate Ms Faulds-Wood on her report and now hope to see the political will - and industry collaboration - to put some of her eminently sensible suggestions into practice.”
During the passage of the Consumer Rights Bill in 2014, Electrical Safety First lobbied hard for an amendment to provide greater transparency and improved communications around product recalls. While the amendment wasn’t included in the final legislation, its concerns were recognised by the Government, which established a Review of Recalled Consumer Products in March 2015.
Editor’s Notes
- Lynn Faulds Woods, who led the Review, also Chaired Electrical Safety First’s annual product safety conference in 2015, where a range of issues related to recalls, were discussed.
- Electrical Safety First is developing a range of consultancy services to help businesses (manufacturers, importers and retailers) improve product safety. These include risk assessment, product testing, electrical product sourcing and buying processes and product safety training.
- The Charity is also producing a ‘Buyers’ Guide’, to ensure essential information on responsibilities throughout the supply chain, is made easily accessible.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Angela Murphy e:angela.murphy@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk t: 0203 463 5127 m:07956 220465
Robert Jervis-Gibbons e:Robert.Jervis-Gibbons@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk t: 0203 463 5131 m: 079700 91373