Two thirds of Britons believe law firms should seek their permission before launching Competition Act collective actions in their names, according to the latest industry-sponsored research on the sector. The 2025 Class Actions Report, published by communications consultancy Kendal Global Advisory and US based legal giant Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, concludes that the UK class action regime is 'simultaneously undermining business investment and failing to deliver fairness for consumers'.
An Ipsos survey for the report found that only 17% of Britons have ever sought any form of compensation, and just 8% have done so through a class or collective claim. More than two thirds - 69% - of adults are unaware they can be included in a class action without their consent; a similar proportion believe that consent should be required. Meanwhile 79% say they are worried about potential hidden costs.
Those most likely to engage with claims are younger, male, higher earners and graduates.
On corporate concerns, interviews with senior executives from 23 major corporates showed 68% had already faced at least one collective action. 'Senior executives say class actions are now a standing board-level issue, tying up capital in the hundreds of millions and dampening investment and innovation.'
Alan Morgan, managing parter at Kendal, said: 'The class action regime is tying up capital and dampening growth while leaving most people unaware and unconvinced. When two thirds of consumers say they want to be asked before being added to a claim, policymakers should listen.'
Jeremy Andrews, partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, called the regime to be reformed with stronger certification standards, clearer notification requirements and greater transparency of third party funding.
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