ACCC takes action against unsafe baby cots; Unemployment at 12-year high: Midday Roundup

The consumer watchdog has cracked down on the sale of unsafe baby cots, with two online retailers paying infringement notices and entering into enforceable undertakings with the ACCC after they were found to be selling cots that did not comply with safety standards.

The ACCC said in a statement New Aim Pty Ltd, which trades as OzPlaza.Living’, and Le Tian, who trades under the name ‘SavingforAussie’ have separately paid infringement notices for selling cots that were recalled due to a risk babies may fall out of the cots, suffocate or become trapped within the cots.

New Aim paid a penalty of $10,200 and Le Tian, as a sole trader, paid a penalty of $2040.

Both businesses have agreed to make further attempts to notify consumers of the recalls, offer refunds and free collection of the items, and implement programs to ensure they comply with product safety procedures.

“The ACCC is committed to improving product safety and will not hesitate to take enforcement action when retailers put the safety of infants and children at risk, regardless of whether retailers are large corporations or sole traders,” said ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard.

Unemployment at 12-year high

Australia’s unemployment rate has reached a 12-year high, increasing by 0.3% to 6.4% in July, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The figures are the worst since August 2002.

Despite the loss of just 300 jobs in July, the jobless rate was pushed higher by a rise in the proportion of people in work or looking for it, according to the ABC.

“The decrease in employment was due to decreased part-time employment, down 14,800 people to 3,499,200,” the ABS said.

“This was offset by increased full-time employment, up 14,500 people to 8,077,400.”

Shares down on open

Aussie shares have opened slightly lower this morning, as local investors weigh up the news Italy has fallen into a triple dip recession with better-than-expected trade figures out of the US.

The S&P/ASX/200 benchmark was down 6.1 points to 5505.9 points at 12.11pm AEST. On Wednesday, the Dow Jones closed 13.87 points higher, up 0.08% to 16443.3 points.