1.5.3 legislation

• What’s the principles of consumer law?

  Products sold to consumers should be of a good standard and quality,

  Consumers have the right to return or reject goods,

  Goods should be delivered and installed safely,

  Terms and contracts should be fair,

  Services should be provided with reasonable care,

  Businesses should disclose full information about products and services
• What are the benefits of consumer law?

  Compliant businesses are less likely to be fined or sued by customers,

  Compliant businesses may be considered professional and caring and may benefit from increased customer loyalty ,

  Improved relationship with stakeholders,

  Good publicity, if followed
• What are the drawbacks of consumer law?

  Businesses must know the law and keep up to date,

  Laws can restrict businesses from operating as they would wish,

  Changing products and practices to comply with laws can be costly,

  Bad publicity can result if businesses do not comply with the laws,

  Consumers can use law to take legal action against the business
• What is the principles of employment law?

  Recruitment procedures should be faire and prevent discrimination,

  All employees’ pay should be fair and meet minimum wage requirements,

  Groups of people, with disabilities etc…, should not be discriminated against,

  Redundancy procedures should be fair,

  Disciplinary issues and grievances should be dealt with fairly,

  Health and safety requirements in the workplace should be met
• What are the benefits of employment law?

  A compliant business may be considered a good employer,

  Fewer employees will be tempted to leave the business - reduces recruitment costs,

  Employees may be happier and more motivated, leading to high productivity and customer service
• What are the drawbacks of employment law?

  Meeting health and safety requirements could be costly for the business,

  Paying the national living wage will increase businesses’ costs,

  Failing to comply may lead to unhappy employees, low productivity and legal action
• What’s the impact of legislation on businesses?

  Costs - additional costs to meet the legislation laws
• What are the consequences of not meeting the obligations?

  Employees can find themselves in court or an employment tribunal- pay expensive legal fees,

  Employers may have to pay fines and compensation if they break the law,

  The business’ reputation could be damaged by bad publicity- loss of sales and staff,

  Suppliers and stakeholders may be reluctant to be associated with the business
• What are the consequences of meeting the obligations?

  Staff are more likely to work harder - higher efficiency,

  Staff are more likely to stay working for a business - reduces recruitment costs,

  The business more likely to gain a good reputation which makes it easier to recruit staff