But businesses are concerned that the proposed new rules will allow groups of consumers to mount unfair campaigns against them.

The changes, currently being discussed by ministers, would allow public bodies like trading standards departments to bring prosecutions against firms on behalf of groups of consumers chasing compensation, The Times reported.

But both the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) reckon 'malicious' consumers could exploit the system.

A CBI spokesman said:

"There is clearly the potential for misuse of these proposals by mischievous, publicity-seeking single-issue groups."