Shockingly, it had used non-disclosure agreements, in at least 24 cases, against consumers in a move that was described as “chilling” by the MPs. As many as 800,000 defective Whirlpool tumble dryers could still be in people’s homes.
Companies have a duty to fix safety issues rather than silence their customers and Whirlpool’s failure to act, openly and in a timely manner, has highlighted the need for a tough and independent national safety body that can stand-up for consumers.
Commenting on the MP’s report into the Whirlpool recall, Martyn Allen, Technical Director of Electrical Safety First said that there needed to be better access to information around recalls and that a “centralised recall database should form part of the solution in ensuring people are not left in the dark as to whether a dangerous product is in their home.”
Manufacturers need to ensure that any faulty products are removed from people’s homes and product recalls need to be open and honest. It's as simple as that!
