Recommendations for product recalls, including electrical appliances

The group, which was established in October 2016 by Consumer Minister Margot James, is led by chief executive of the institution of fire engineers and former deputy fire chief office Neil Gibbins.

Established to explore and build on the recommendations made by Lynn Faulds Wood in her independent review of consumer product recalls, the group say a number of actions have already been built on.

These include updating the government’s product recall page and undertaking behavioural insights research to increase the effectiveness of product safety messages.

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The working group has also laid out a number of recommendations, such as improving the way product-related accident and fire data is gathered as well as setting up scientific and technical resources for effective decision making.

Consumer Minister Margot James commented: “Everyone deserves to know that the products in their homes are safe to use, and that there is a robust system in place if they need to be repaired or replaced.

“The government has already taken forward a number of proposals suggested in Lynn Faulds Wood independent review and the working group report builds on that.”

Deputy chief officer Neil Gibbins added: “Since starting my career in the fire service almost 40 years ago, it has been my personal mission to help reduce fires and other risks. I am confident that the recommendations in this report and the progress we have already made can help improve the UK’s product safety regime.”