CAB Understanding your consumer rights
I purchased a microwave from a local store four months ago, since then it’s stopped working. I returned to the shop to try and get a refund and they’ve told me I’m not entitled to one, is that right?
Typically, if you find a fault with your goods within six months of buying them, it’s assumed that the fault was there when you purchased the product and the seller must offer you a refund, repair or replacement.
However, if the shop can show that the problem is clearly caused by something you have done, they may refuse to help.
Remember that with electricals, many products come with a manufacturers guarantee, and so you may also have the option of contacting them about a repair or replacement where the seller is being unhelpful.
If the seller disagrees that you were sold faulty goods, and you aren’t getting any further forward yourself, we would suggest contacting Renfrewshire CAB on 0141 889 2121 or Advice Direct Scotland’s Consumer Service on 0808 164 6000 to discuss your next steps.
Note: there are also handy template letters you can use to complain to the shop at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ scotland/.
I saw on the news the other day that there’s a new benefit called the adult disability payment. I’m currently on PIP do I need to apply for this new benefit?
The introduction of the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is happening because Scotland is taking responsibility for disability benefits moving forwards and this new benefit will be administered through Social Security Scotland.
It will eventually replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which you are currently receiving.
At the moment, the ADP is only open for applications in three pilot areas in Scotland. Renfrewshire is not one of these areas.
When ADP is rolled out in Renfrewshire anyone who already has an award for PIP will be automatically transferred over, without having to apply for the new benefit.
You will be written to, and the process will be explained. This expected to happen at some point during the summer.
The shop I’ve worked in for just over four years shut down suddenly two weeks ago and I’ve been told I’m being made redundant. How do I get my redundancy payment?
Your next steps will depend on whether your employer is “insolvent” which is the legal process an employer can go through if they are unable to pay their debts and therefore have to close.
This is also known as being in “liquidation” or “administration”.
If you employer is insolvent you should receive contact from your employer’s insolvency practitioner, they will tell you how to claim your statutory redundancy pay.
You will also be able to claim other money you may be owed including holiday pay and notice pay.
If you don’t know whether your employer is insolvent you can check on the government register of companies https://www.gov.uk/get-informationabout-a-company
If your employer isn’t insolvent you may be able to claim your statutory redundancy from the Government.
This requires you to go to an employment tribunal prior to making a redundancy claim.
Therefore, we would suggest getting in contact with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau on 0141 889 2121 for specialist employment advice.