Face masks: There is much being shared across social media and in the press about face coverings and masks available for babies. Many of these have been shown to have embellishments, dummies and long attachments, all of which are a safety hazard. Face coverings and face masks should NOT be used by children under the age of 3 years. Face covering are not required to be worn by children under the age of 11 years on public transport, or in shops and supermarkets (from 24th July). Face coverings for children should be secured to the head using ear loops only.
Advice on face coverings can be found here (this includes guidance for manufacturers and sellers of face coverings): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own If you have any concerns or require advice about the sale of face coverings or face masks, please call us via Citizens Advice Consumer on 0808 223 1133. Advice for businesses following the requirement to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets from 24 July.
When serving customers wearing face masks or face coverings who wish to purchase an age-restricted product in store, retailers should consider the following:
- Retailers should continue to enforce Challenge 25 policies.
- Where the retailer can’t confidently assess the age of a customer, they should refuse the sale.
- Where the retailer or staff member believes that the customer is younger than 25, proof of age should be requested.
The retailer should try and verify the customer in their mask or face covering. Where they cannot confidently verify the age, they should request the mask or face covering is briefly removed. If the customer is unwilling to do this, the sale should be refused. The following poster is available for retailers to display: https://www.acs.org.uk/sites/default/files/face_mask_and_coverings_notice_for_local_shops.pdf If you need any further advice, please contact us via 0808 223 1133.
Green Grant scam: We received a report of a man calling at properties in Bury St Edmunds, advising the resident that the property needed energy improvements, and that they could receive a grant. At one property the caller stated that the property needed a new boiler and that they would be entitled to help. He then went on to ask if they were receiving child benefits. At a neighbouring property the man told the occupant that they would be entitled to insulation. The man wore a yellow hi-vis jacket, visor and carried a clipboard.
Please note, the Green Grant scheme is not due to start until September, and so any telephone calls or approaches at the doorstep related to the Government announcement will be be a scam. The roll-out of the scheme will be run locally and details of how to apply will be provided. Report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133.
Pig survey: A survey aimed at small-scale pig keepers, including smallholders, pet pig keepers and hobby keepers, has been launched by the UK government. The survey forms part of the UK’s campaign to combat the introduction and spread of the pig disease African swine fever. It aims to find out more about what small-scale pig keepers already know about the disease, as well as asking about their feeding and biosecurity practices and what sources they refer to for guidance on keeping pigs.
The results of the survey will be used to improve information available to pig keepers to help protect the health of their pigs and the UK pig industry. African swine fever poses no threat to human health but is fatal for pigs and can be financially devastating for pig keepers. The disease is currently circulating in parts of Europe and Asia and in the last couple of years, has led to the deaths of millions of pigs worldwide.
If you are a small-scale pig keeper or keep pigs as pets, please complete the survey to help governments across the UK understand more about your knowledge of the disease and your pig keeping practices. The survey can be found here and closes on 31 August 2020. You can find out more about African swine fever and how to report suspect swine fever here.
Recalls: Baker Ross are recalling two types of Finger Lights as the battery compartment can be easily opened without the use of any tools, leaving button cell batteries accessible. A child might put them in the mouth and swallow them, causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract. If you have the products stop using them, and contact Baker Ross to arrange a refund. The company can be emailed on enquiry@bakerross.co.uk.