Menu
01/03/2006
Firms face £50,000 fine for 'silent calls'
Companies will face fines of up to £50,000 if they pester customers with silent calls, Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson has announced.
The announcement follows an analysis of responses to a consultation launched by the Department of Trade and Industry on silent calls.
The previous fine for making such calls was £5,000. The new increased fine will come into effect later this year.
Silent calls occur when automated calling systems used by call centres generate more calls than available call centre staff can deal with, resulting in silence on the line when the call is answered.
These 'abandoned calls' cause annoyance and even anxiety to consumers, the DTI said.
Research conducted by independent communication regulator Ofcom found that 63% of adults were concerned about silent calls, with 35% saying that they were "very concerned".
People aged over 65 expressed the most concern about the calls, while women were more likely to become distressed by them than men.
Alan Johnson said: "Silent calls are annoying and distressing, particularly for the elderly, hard of hearing and people living on their own.
"Our consultation showed overwhelming support for raising the maximum penalty for silent calls. The increased fine, combined with the action Ofcom has taken today, will help to minimise the nuisance of silent calls for the public."
Ofcom has also announced new rules of the use of automatic calling system, which are designed to deliver additional protection from silent calls for consumers.
(KMcA/GB)
The announcement follows an analysis of responses to a consultation launched by the Department of Trade and Industry on silent calls.
The previous fine for making such calls was £5,000. The new increased fine will come into effect later this year.
Silent calls occur when automated calling systems used by call centres generate more calls than available call centre staff can deal with, resulting in silence on the line when the call is answered.
These 'abandoned calls' cause annoyance and even anxiety to consumers, the DTI said.
Research conducted by independent communication regulator Ofcom found that 63% of adults were concerned about silent calls, with 35% saying that they were "very concerned".
People aged over 65 expressed the most concern about the calls, while women were more likely to become distressed by them than men.
Alan Johnson said: "Silent calls are annoying and distressing, particularly for the elderly, hard of hearing and people living on their own.
"Our consultation showed overwhelming support for raising the maximum penalty for silent calls. The increased fine, combined with the action Ofcom has taken today, will help to minimise the nuisance of silent calls for the public."
Ofcom has also announced new rules of the use of automatic calling system, which are designed to deliver additional protection from silent calls for consumers.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2009
Ofcom Fines BBC £150k Over Prank Calls
The BBC has been fined £150,000 by Ofcom over prank phone calls made by Russell Brand (pictured) and Jonathan Ross to actor Andrew Sachs. The sum related to the two episodes of the Russell Brand show broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 18 and 25 October 2008. In its report, the media regulator found the broadcasts had breached it's Broadcasting Code.
Ofcom Fines BBC £150k Over Prank Calls
The BBC has been fined £150,000 by Ofcom over prank phone calls made by Russell Brand (pictured) and Jonathan Ross to actor Andrew Sachs. The sum related to the two episodes of the Russell Brand show broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 18 and 25 October 2008. In its report, the media regulator found the broadcasts had breached it's Broadcasting Code.
14 March 2005
Scarborough drowning tragedy victims named
A mother and her son who drowned in a tragic accident yesterday have been named as Kim Barrett, 33 and Luke Greenwood, 11. Coastguards are continuing to search for Ms Barrett's daughter, 13-year-old Aimee Greenwood.
Scarborough drowning tragedy victims named
A mother and her son who drowned in a tragic accident yesterday have been named as Kim Barrett, 33 and Luke Greenwood, 11. Coastguards are continuing to search for Ms Barrett's daughter, 13-year-old Aimee Greenwood.
30 July 2013
New Measures Announced To Tackle Marketing Calls
Culture Secretary Maria Miller has announced a number of measure to tackle nuisance and unwanted marketing calls. As part of the plan regulators will be give new powers to take action against companies, including cold callers being unable to conceal their number. It is hoped to make reporting these type of calls easier.
New Measures Announced To Tackle Marketing Calls
Culture Secretary Maria Miller has announced a number of measure to tackle nuisance and unwanted marketing calls. As part of the plan regulators will be give new powers to take action against companies, including cold callers being unable to conceal their number. It is hoped to make reporting these type of calls easier.
14 August 2003
Boyfriend of murdered teen questioned by police
The boyfriend of Jodi Jones – the 14-year-old girl who was murdered in Dalkeith in June – has been questioned by Midlothian Police this morning. Luke Mitchell (15) was at Dalkeith police station until 1.30pm today before being released without charge. Jodi's body was found on June 30 in a wooded area near Dalkeith.
Boyfriend of murdered teen questioned by police
The boyfriend of Jodi Jones – the 14-year-old girl who was murdered in Dalkeith in June – has been questioned by Midlothian Police this morning. Luke Mitchell (15) was at Dalkeith police station until 1.30pm today before being released without charge. Jodi's body was found on June 30 in a wooded area near Dalkeith.
13 June 2014
Childline Concerned Over Rise In Calls About Forced Marriage
The charity ChildLine has expressed concerns over the number of children who rang them worried they could be force into marriage. The charity says that the number of such calls has nearly trebled since 2011. There were 55 callers three years ago, rising to 141 in 2013, with callers ranging in age from 12 to 15.
Childline Concerned Over Rise In Calls About Forced Marriage
The charity ChildLine has expressed concerns over the number of children who rang them worried they could be force into marriage. The charity says that the number of such calls has nearly trebled since 2011. There were 55 callers three years ago, rising to 141 in 2013, with callers ranging in age from 12 to 15.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
