Onus on stores in goods act change

Retailers are to be held accountable for faulty goods from this week as changes to the Sale of Goods Act shift power to consumers.

From Monday, consumers will no longer have to prove that goods were faulty when purchased, but retailers will have to prove that they were not. Shoppers will be able to seek repair, replacement or refund on any goods that were defective at the time of purchase.

Trading Standards chairman Maggie Gibbons-Loveday said: 'Responsible retailers should not find the new regulations a problem. I believe they (the Government) put into law what is considered good practice.'