The OFT's campaign against doorstep rogue traders launched on 16 November 2009 and is aimed at consumers aged over 70. Across the UK, there is a diverse network of anti-doorstep crime initiatives, with a range of organisations working nationally and locally to combat the problem.
The campaign aims to boost this activity, not compete with it or re-invent the wheel. A toolkit for partners has been produced to support ongoing outreach work and generate local and national media interest. Since the campaign launched, seven million leaflets have been distributed to householders across Britain. A new radio ad is also featuring on national and local radio stations, and a TV advertising filler, showing how to resist the persuasive sales tactics used by rogue doorstep traders, has been launched.
More information on this campaign is available at: www.oft.gov.uk/doorstepselling
On 3 November the OFT launched an updated version of its successful Skilled to go consumer education programme, providing teachers with new resources designed to turn students into skilled, confident consumers.
Since its launch in 2008, around 50 per cent of further education institutions in the UK have registered on the OFT website to access Skilled to go learning resources. Registrations are now up to 5000, with over 500 new registrations in the two weeks following the launch of the updated toolkit.
As well as the offer of a support resource pack to spread the word about Skilled to go to colleagues, teachers can also request a free workshop led by OFT staff on how the toolkit works.
Find out more about the updates at www.oft.gov.uk/skilledtogo
A tailored version of Skilled to go is being produced for use by Trading Standards Services (TSS) staff when they visit schools. It is designed to complement existing pools of TSS resources and comprises a range of carefully selected activities and guidance from the original Buying and selling module, including games, quizzes, listening and video activities, designs for tactile materials, and background consumer information.
To ensure the toolkit is fit for purpose, the OFT has worked collaboratively with TSS staff, through face-to-face focus groups and sharing of draft resources, to gather feedback and suggestions on how it should be developed.
It is not too late to give us your views if you would like to contribute to this version of Skilled to go - send an email to consumereducationteam@oft.gsi.gov.uk and someone will be in touch.
This version of Skilled to go will be available to download in January 2010.
Following the success of the OFT's Just Tick It campaign, the OFT plans two more campaigns to help combat scams. The first is a new lottery scams campaign launching on 30 November 2009. This campaign is aimed at consumers over 35 and will focus on raising awareness of types of lottery scams, helping consumers identify them, and then resisting the persuasive tactics used by the scammers.
In addition, the OFT is also running its Scamnesty campaign again throughout February 2010. Scamnesty is carried out in partnership with local authority Trading Standards Services. Members of the public are asked to collect any potential scam mailings they've received and drop them into designated bins at local libraries and other public areas.
For more information on both campaigns visit: www.oft.gov.uk/scams
Following the collapse of the Farepak hamper company in 2006, the OFT was asked by HM Treasury to carry out an awareness campaign to help consumers understand their options when saving for Christmas. Save Xmas was launched in 2007.
Citizens Advice and Transact have recently been reappointed to deliver Save Xmas face-to-face advice sessions to consumers in the UK over the next 12 months.
We have produced a TV filler to promote Save Xmas, which is available to view at www.youtube.com/user/OFTWebEditor. Next Spring, we will launch an interactive online resource through our Consumer Direct website to allow people to find out for themselves which saving options are most suitable for them.
November marks the fifth anniversary of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) which encourages effective self-regulation by giving official approval to professional bodies' voluntary consumer codes of practice which meet core criteria set by the OFT. We will be promoting the benefits of using a code approved organisation to consumers with an ongoing online, PR and marketing campaign throughout the next few months.
Code sponsor organisations represent a wide variety of fields including estate agents, removal companies, carpet suppliers and mechanics. Our most recently approved code for the BTHA represents healthcare and mobility products.
On 23 November, we will support the BTHA as they host a reception at the House of Commons to launch their new OFT approved status to stakeholders from the healthcare, disability, politics and charity sectors.
The OFT's new Sale of goods campaign is aimed at increasing consumer-facing staff's knowledge of the Sale of Goods Act and minimising consumer detriment. We are working in partnership with stakeholders and a range of businesses to develop tools which aim to increase understanding of consumer rights amongst customer facing staff. This will enable staff to provide better and more informed interaction with customers and improve the retail experience and environment for both consumers and staff.
We are currently developing the campaign and scoping our activities with business and relevant stakeholders. The campaign will be delivered Feb/Mar 2010. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to angharad.davies@oft.gsi.gov.uk
The Know Your Consumer Rights campaign, a partnership between Consumer Direct, BIS and the Trading Standards Institute, was launched at Bluewater in Kent in September by Kevin Brennan MP, Consumer Affairs Minister.
The campaign, which is featured on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk, aims to ensure consumers know their three basic consumer rights. Goods should:
Events took place throughout England, Scotland and Wales in conjunction with Trading Standards Services.
The Consumer Direct website is also hosting a campaign for consumers to test their consumer rights knowledge and have the chance to win £150 shopping vouchers.
The campaign has also been features on Facebook and Twitter, as part of a social media promotional trial for Consumer Direct.
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