Hoover faces flight fiasco bill
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hoover could face a bill for hundreds of thousands of pounds after a judge awarded damages to customers who lost out in the free flights fiasco.
The judge ruled that the company abused a get-out clause when they refused to issue tickets to America in the 1994 sales promotion disaster.
He awarded compensation of pounds 461 to Peter Lucas, of Sutton Coldfield, and pounds 466 to Norman Magowan, of Belfast.
Their county court actions are viewed as a test case for others who missed out when Hoover invoked a clause stating: "One application per household".
The firm said separate applications from relatives at the same address invalidated all these claims.
Civil servant Mr Magowan, 46, said last night: "I am delighted that I have proved my point and Hoover have been shown the error of their ways."
A total of 20 different test cases will not be concluded until June. Hoover was unavailable for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments