大象传媒

We hear why Trustpilot has decided to change its rules on who can leave a review on its website. It follows a story we did last year about a major furniture chain that was getting really good reviews even though it had lots of unhappy customers. It was because the company was offering people the chance to win their money back if they left a review. Many people were doing that as soon as they鈥檇 placed an order - before they鈥檇 even got their furniture. At the time Trustpilot told us they were going to investigate. We speak to their spokesperson, Glenn Manoff, about the changes Trustpilot has decided to make.

We look at how meditation is helping people cope with the stresses and strains of the pandemic. We speak to one man who says it saved him from total despair after his wife died just before the start of lockdown. We also hear from Christopher Jamison, a Benedictine monk, and the Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation who inspired him to take up the practice.

We investigate why hotels in some European countries are making customers wait at least 18 months for refunds due to coronavirus. Seven countries have issued decrees to help accommodation providers avoid collapse because of the pandemic. In some cases, this allows hotels to hold on to people's money for long periods of time and only offer credit vouchers. We hear from a listener who booked to stay at a five star luxury hotel with her son in the French Alps in March. The booking was cancelled by the hotel and she's been told she'll have to wait until this time next year for a cash refund. We talk to Dean Dunham, a consumer barrister and solicitor, about booking direct with hotels in places where consumer rights have been weakened.

Presenter: Winifred Robinson
Producer: Tara Holmes