Demand by UK consumers for help from Consumer Centre UK dispute help and advice service (CCUK) has increased by 31% so far in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

More UK consumers have been asking for assistance in their disputes with EU traders, boosted by an increase in COVID-19 and Brexit related disputes.

Andy Allen, UK ECC service director, said: “As we’ve moved into 2021, our service is now funded by the UK Government, which means that the thousands of UK consumers who could have been left unprotected if we’d closed after the UK left the EU still have someone to turn to.

“Ours is a critical role in the UK consumer protection landscape and we are so pleased that the UK Government found a solution which retains this valuable service.

“A 31% increase in UK consumers coming to us for help and advice in the first six weeks of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 is undisputed proof of the need for our service.

“This surge in consumers is being led by two main factors: the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and Brexit-related issues and neither of these influences is likely to go away any time soon.”

The CCUK offers free support and assistance to consumers who have bought goods or services and who are now in dispute with a trader based outside the UK. The centre is not part of the ECC-Network, but works with it. Consumers may contact CCUK through the email address, [email protected]