Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

CMA to tackle COVID-19 profiteering

THE Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a taskforce to tackle unscrupulous business practices during the COVID-19 crisis.

The UK’s competition watchdog has earlier this month asked retailers to not exploit the current situation to take advantage of people, warning against practices like charging excessive prices or making misleading claims about their products.


The CMA said it has already contacted traders and platforms regarding excessive pricing of hand sanitiser.

Andrew Tyrie, the CMA chairman said: “The intervention in the economy necessitated by public health policy may have a substantial impact on competition, with the risk of an increase in consumer detriment. That’s why this taskforce is needed.”

CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli noted: “We have a range of options at our disposal, from warnings to enforcement action to seeking emergency powers. We hope that such action will not be necessary, but we will do whatever is required to stop a small minority of businesses that may seek to exploit the present situation.”

The taskforce will identify harmful sales and pricing practices as they emerge and warn firms suspected of exploiting these exceptional circumstances through unjustifiable prices or misleading claims.

It will also take enforcement action if there is evidence that firms may have breached competition or consumer protection law and fail to respond to warnings.

More For You

Beyond roses and chocolates: Unique Valentine’s traditions around the world

Love takes many forms—celebrate Valentine's Day with unique traditions from around the world

Pinterest

Beyond roses and chocolates: Unique Valentine’s traditions around the world

Valentine’s Day. You picture red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and candlelit dinners, right? But love isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Around the world, different cultures celebrate romance in ways that are surprising, playful, and sometimes downright bizarre. From pigs and love spoons to anonymous poetry battles, these unusual traditions prove that love has no borders—just some very unique rituals.

1. Wales: Love spoons over love letters

In Wales, forget cheesy Hallmark cards—hand-carved wooden spoons called *llwy garu* are the ultimate love token. Dating back to the 17th century, men would intricately carve spoons for their beloved, decorating them with symbols like hearts (love), keys (“you hold the key to my heart”), and knots (eternal unity). The more detailed the design, the deeper the affection. A spoon might not sparkle like a diamond, but hey, nothing says commitment like hours of whittling.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

AN ASIAN doctor said she wants children to feel excited and empowered about their bodies when they read her new book.

Published last month, Dr Punam Krishan’s You & Your Body helps children and families understand the human body and make positive choices about well-being, the author said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Obesity drug
Boxes of Wegovy are seen at a pharmacy in London. (Photo: Reuters)

GPhC tightens rules for online obesity drug prescriptions

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which oversees UK pharmacies, has introduced stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing obesity drugs. The regulator said the changes aim to prevent individuals from receiving medicines that could pose health risks.

The new guidance, updated for the first time in three years, follows concerns about how some online pharmacies dispense weight-loss drugs.

Keep ReadingShow less
12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Building habits gradually can lead to sustainable, long-term change

12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Anjali Mehta

WHETHER it’s eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or any number of goals, millions of people around the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

Yet, by February, most of these well-intentioned plans are abandoned. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – remember that it’s never too late to turn things around or set new goals.

Keep ReadingShow less