Tech retailer and mobile provider Kogan has won an injunction against its internet service provider, ispONE, after it accused the company of blocking Kogan customers from recharging their prepaid mobile services.
Several customers complained last month they were stopped from recharging services. Kogan blamed the company’s fair use policy, which gives ISPs the ability to refuse services if customers use too much data in a specific period of time.
Kogan won the injunction against ispONE yesterday after appearing in the Victorian Supreme Court. The injunction reportedly will last for one week, with both parties to appear in court next week, according to BRW.
Unemployment increases
Australia’s unemployment rate has increased by 0.2% in March, as the number of full-time positions fell by 7400 jobs.
According to new figures released this morning by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate increased to 5.6% last month.
The number of people employed fell by a total of 36,100, as the number of part-time and full-time positions decreased.
The number of part-time positions available had the sharpest decline, with 28,700 fewer people in part-time work.
ABS statistics reveal there are now 689,900 unemployed Australians, an increase of 25,900.
ACCC launches small business education campaign
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched a free online education program targeting small businesses, as it aims to teach them about their legal rights and obligations.
The program provides small businesses with an interactive learning resource, which provides a broad overview of Australian competition and consumer law.
It includes information about what businesses can say in their advertising, how to act if they realise they’re selling an unsafe product and when to provide customers with refunds, repairs or replacement products.
ACCC deputy chair Michael Schaper said in a statement the program will provide small businesses with simple and clear information.
“I strongly encourage small businesses to take advantage of this free online education program. Small businesses represent 96% of all businesses in Australia so it is vital they understand their rights and obligations under competition and consumer law,” Schaper says.
Woolworths’ sales jump in third quarter
Woolworths’ sales have jumped 5.7% for the third quarter, as the supermarket giant posted a more modest rise in profits.
The grocer’s profits increased 3.4% for the quarter, as the increase in sales was offset slightly by more discounts and promotions which led to consumers paying an average of 2.5% less for products.
Woolworth’s chief executive Grant O’Brien said in a statement the positive momentum across the first half of the financial year continued in the quarter as a result of a “sharpened focus” on the core of the business – food and liquor.
“The underlying performance was strong despite challenging retail conditions, particularly in general merchandise. We remain focused on improving this growth while enhancing the shopping experience of our customers, and building a solid platform for the future,” he says.
Shares
Australian shares have opened strongly, following overnight gains from the Dow Jones.
So far the banks and the supermarkets are performing well, with shares in Woolworths climbing $0.45 to $34.34 at midday on the back of positive profit results.
The S&P/ASX200 benchmark was up 27.8 points to 4995.8.
Overnight the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached new highs, increasing 128.78 points to close at 14802.24.
