Access to Justice Foundation: Collective Actions & Access to Justice Update

In the UK, the Access to Justice Foundation continues to be recognised by the Competition Appeal Tribunal as the appropriate recipient of undistributed damages, and “a well-established and reputable charity” in the McLaren v MOL & Others collective action settlement ([2026] CAT 6, Judgment 15 January 2026). Funds will be distributed through the Foundation’s partner network, with any remaining undistributed amounts directed to charities supporting consumers who were unaware they were eligible to participate in the settlement. The Foundation works closely with all parties concerned in a collective action to plan for effective distribution.

A Department for Business and Trade consultation on the collective actions regime is due shortly. The Foundation will engage with stakeholders across the legal and consumer sectors to ensure consumer protection remains at the center of the process.

The Foundation funds free legal advice services across the UK, with those supported including the Greater Manchester Law Centre, whose advisers recently secured an £11,000 employment settlement and an agreed reference for a disabled worker who had been wrongfully dismissed.

On 24 June 2026 (18-20:30 BST, London), the Foundation is hosting Collective Actions: From Courtroom to Community, practitioners and stakeholders from across the legal and consumer sectors to consider the role of collective actions in advancing access to justice. Registration is available via Eventbrite.

For further information, see the Access to Justice Foundation website at: atjf.org.uk. Enquiries on the work of the Foundation may be directed to rubyluter@atjf.org.uk