THE National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau in partnership with the National Consumer Council is campaigning for a new Consumer Bill to be included in the Queen's Speech this autumn.

It is hoped any new law toughens up protection for dealing with unscrupulous traders, oppressive debt collection practices, as well as homeworking scams that don't deliver.

CABs across the country deal with thousands of inquiries every year relating to problems like these.

In particular, Redditch CAB has become aware of homeworking scams.

Typically, our clients have been attracted by the convenience of doing work at home, maybe because they have family or other commitments, and answer advertisements asking them to send money for materials to get started.

We have had many examples of clients having work sent back or not being paid.

Unfortunately, the picture that emerges is in stark contrast with the promotional literature which promises large rewards for apparently little effort.

As yet, there is no specific law controlling how these homeworking schemes operate, so most are not illegal.

Misleading advertising is, however, governed by the Advertising Standards Authority which can investigate complaints from the public.

If you've sent money and feel the company has failed to deliver on its promises, you should complain in writing stating that if your money is not repaid, you will take civil action through the courts.

Send a copy of this letter to your local Trading Standards office, who may be able to investigate if they have received a large number of similar complaints about the same company.

Anyone else tempted to respond to such advertisements should follow these guidelines to avoid wasting precious time and money:

l Avoid at all costs advertisements or firms that ask for payment of a sum of money before work starts, or that ask you to pay for a "starter kit" even before you are told what the work is.

l Avoid schemes where you are expected to buy or rent equipment, then sell the finished product.

l Avoid firms whose advertisements or promotional literature give no details - such as the full name and address, a clear description of the work, whether you will be employed or self-employed and the likely level of earnings.

For more information, you can visit the Citizens Advice Bureau, Central Chambers, 20 Unicorn Hill, Redditch B97 4QU. Tel 66664.