A DORSET law firm is urging business and consumers to know their rights after a landmark legislation came into force last week.

Battens Solicitors believe the aim of the new Consumer Rights Act, which came into force on October 1, is to simplify, strengthen and modernise the law.

As the biggest shake-up of consumer legislation for a generation, it replaces the Sale of Goods Act, Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulation and the Supply of Goods and Services Act.

Consultant solicitor at Battens, Phil Burbidge, said: "These changes are relevant to every business selling directly to consumers.

"They create a clearer and more easily understood arena where consumers can buy and businesses can sell to them with confidence.

"Consumers now have a now and strengthened armoury. Businesses and their staff, however, must be fully aware and prepared for a new era where transparency and prominence of trading terms and accountability for what is said and offered will become the norm.

The act introduces measures including 30 days to get a refund when rejecting a faulty item, refund in case of failed repairs, new digital rights for online or physically incorporated digital content. Retailers' service must comply with pre-contract information including written statements and it is now easier to challenge unfair terms in consumer contracts.

In addition, delivery rights make the retailer responsible for goods until they are in a consumer’s physical possession.