09 September 2008
The States have today approved a new Supply of Goods and Services Law, which will introduce statutory rights for consumers similar to those found in the UK Sale of Goods Act. The main effect of the Law will be to clarify buyers’ rights and sellers’ responsibilities in the event of any disputes.
Some of the implied terms between consumers and traders will dictate that: -
• a supplier has title to the goods being sold
• goods must correspond with any description of them
• goods supplied are of satisfactory quality
• goods are reasonably fit for their purpose
• a supplier of a service should exercise reasonable skill and care in carrying out that service
• goods should be supplied or services carried out within a reasonable time
The Minister for Economic Development, Senator Philip Ozouf, is pleased with the States’ decision -
“This new law is the culmination of extensive development work, drawing on expertise within the local legal profession in providing advice on Jersey customary contract law.
It will introduce long-awaited statutory rights for consumers similar to those found in the UK Sale of Goods Act, and it will ensure clarity for both traders and consumers in day to day contractual dealings, when buying and selling goods and services.
If goods turn out to be defective, it will be clear what rights consumers have if the trader does not deal with them in a fair and reasonable manner.”
The chairman of the Jersey Consumer Council, Deputy Alan Breckon, says “the Council is delighted that at long last Jersey will have some true consumer rights in this new law. We have been waiting many years for such a law, and are happy that this excellent step forward is now in place.
There is of course still much to be done - for example in the areas of advertising and consumer credit - and this law is in no way comprehensive, but it does offer the consumer some considerable protection.
I would like to add that the council is open to all consumers to find out what exactly their rights will be once this law has come into force.”
Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact Senator Ozouf on 07797 713838, or Deputy Alan Breckon on 618532.
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