Understanding Collective and Group Actions in the UK

Collective actions are typically used in competition law disputes in the UK. They are filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) and may be brought on either an opt-in or opt-out basis:

Opt-in – Claimants must actively choose to join the claim.
Opt-out – All affected individuals are automatically included unless they choose not to participate (a newer mechanism, available only in certain competition cases).

Group litigation orders (GLOs) are another UK process, available in the High Court. Group claims allow multiple cases with common issues to be managed together, but unlike collective actions, each claimant must file an individual claim that is then joined with others.

Examples include mass tort cases, product liability claims, and large-scale consumer disputes.

• Competition law claims – Price-fixing, cartels, or abuse of dominant market positions.
• Consumer claims – Misleading practices, defective products, or unfair terms.
• Financial services claims – Mis-sold financial products, hidden fees, or fraudulent practices.
• Data protection breaches – Unauthorized use or loss of personal data under GDPR.
• Environmental or product liability claims – Mass harm caused by defective goods, pollution, or unsafe products.

• Shared Costs – Legal expenses are divided among many claimants.
• Efficiency – Common issues are resolved together, avoiding repetitive trials.
• Stronger Leverage – A unified group has greater bargaining power against large corporations.
• Access to Justice – Makes it possible for individuals with smaller claims to pursue remedies they could not afford alone.

• Compensation for Losses – Recovery of financial or personal damages suffered by claimants.
• Injunctive Relief – Court orders to stop unlawful practices or require compliance measures.
• Policy and Governance Reforms – Structural changes imposed on corporations to prevent future harm.

Miller Shah LLP advises clients on collective and group litigation strategies in both UK and international contexts. The firm assists consumers, investors, and businesses in evaluating claims, managing litigation efficiently, and holding corporations accountable through group-based legal action. By pooling resources and aligning legal strategies, Miller Shah helps claimants overcome the imbalance of power that often exists between individuals and large institutions.