Consumer contracts affected by COVID-19: CMA Guidance

As uncertainties continue over the nature and timing of future restrictions relating to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), businesses should proceed with caution when dealing with their consumer customers and contracts, especially if they attempt to explore alternatives to cancellation and a full refund. In its latest guidance on the cancellation of consumer contracts and refunds, issues on 28 August 2020, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has set out its expectations of businesses when consumer contracts are affected by COVID-19 restrictions, whether in or outside of the UK (the guidance).

Senior Associate Michiko Jo has provided an outline of the guidance from the CMA, the impact of this for businesses and the considerations to be made when making relevant decisions and changes, in her article for the October 2020 issue of PLC Magazine.

This article first appeared in the October 2020 issue of PLC Magazine.