Menu
12/01/2023
Trading Standards Investigation Finds Short Weight Bags Of Coal
Short-weight bags of coal may be contributing to the cost-of-living crisis, a Trading Standards Service (TSS) investigation has found.
Over the past three months TSS officers have visited 35 retail premises across Northern Ireland to check the weight of both 20kg and 25kg bags of coal to ensure consumers are getting what they pay for. A total of 1,107 bags of coal were checked from various packers and officers found that 103 (9.3%) were short weight.
With the average deficiency in each short weight bag being 1kg, this equates to consumer detriment of up to 87 pence per bag. The largest deficiency of 2.7kg was found in a 20kg bag resulting in a £2.37 detriment to the consumer.
Although the majority of bags did not cause concern, in total, the bags of coal from ten different packers were found to be short weight. TSS has taken steps to advise those businesses responsible for placing the short-weight products on the market and will conduct further inspections in the coming months. Any trader found to be selling short-weight bags of coal may face enforcement action.
Judith Gough, Deputy Chief Trading Standards Inspector, said: "Given the growing demand for coal across Northern Ireland and the continuing cost of living crisis, it is imperative that consumers do not get short changed. Many households on low incomes who have no alternative heating source will be alarmed to hear that almost one in ten bags of coal inspected by TSS were short weight.
"Measurement is at the heart of fair trading and is a core issue for TSS. These inspections help to ensure that businesses are weighing and measuring accurately, and consumers are getting the right quantity of goods. With the current cost-of-living crisis, it is even more important that the processes and systems that should be in place are working properly, and consumers are getting what they pay for. TSS will continue to work closely with coal packers across the country to make sure that any issues of short weight are eradicated."
If a consumer has a complaint about short-weight goods or you wish to seek advice on any other consumer related matter they should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or email: consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk
Over the past three months TSS officers have visited 35 retail premises across Northern Ireland to check the weight of both 20kg and 25kg bags of coal to ensure consumers are getting what they pay for. A total of 1,107 bags of coal were checked from various packers and officers found that 103 (9.3%) were short weight.
With the average deficiency in each short weight bag being 1kg, this equates to consumer detriment of up to 87 pence per bag. The largest deficiency of 2.7kg was found in a 20kg bag resulting in a £2.37 detriment to the consumer.
Although the majority of bags did not cause concern, in total, the bags of coal from ten different packers were found to be short weight. TSS has taken steps to advise those businesses responsible for placing the short-weight products on the market and will conduct further inspections in the coming months. Any trader found to be selling short-weight bags of coal may face enforcement action.
Judith Gough, Deputy Chief Trading Standards Inspector, said: "Given the growing demand for coal across Northern Ireland and the continuing cost of living crisis, it is imperative that consumers do not get short changed. Many households on low incomes who have no alternative heating source will be alarmed to hear that almost one in ten bags of coal inspected by TSS were short weight.
"Measurement is at the heart of fair trading and is a core issue for TSS. These inspections help to ensure that businesses are weighing and measuring accurately, and consumers are getting the right quantity of goods. With the current cost-of-living crisis, it is even more important that the processes and systems that should be in place are working properly, and consumers are getting what they pay for. TSS will continue to work closely with coal packers across the country to make sure that any issues of short weight are eradicated."
If a consumer has a complaint about short-weight goods or you wish to seek advice on any other consumer related matter they should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or email: consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2019
5p Bag Levy Sees Distribution Fall By Almost 70%
The amount of carrier bags distributed in Northern Ireland has fallen by almost 70% since the 5p levy was introduced, official figures have revealed. Over five million fewer bags were dispensed by retailers last year, a 5.4% reduction on the previous year.
5p Bag Levy Sees Distribution Fall By Almost 70%
The amount of carrier bags distributed in Northern Ireland has fallen by almost 70% since the 5p levy was introduced, official figures have revealed. Over five million fewer bags were dispensed by retailers last year, a 5.4% reduction on the previous year.
25 August 2016
Signification Reduction In Number Of Carrier Bags Sent To Landfill
The number of carrier bags sent to landfill in Northern Ireland has dropped by 199 million, according to new figures. Statistics published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs showed a significant reduction in carrier bags since the introduction of the levy in April 2013.
Signification Reduction In Number Of Carrier Bags Sent To Landfill
The number of carrier bags sent to landfill in Northern Ireland has dropped by 199 million, according to new figures. Statistics published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs showed a significant reduction in carrier bags since the introduction of the levy in April 2013.
19 December 2008
Shops Bags A Green Deal For Environment
There's been a warm NI welcome for a national pledge by leading UK retailers to halve the number of carrier bags given to shoppers by spring 2009. Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has hailed the deal between the UK Government and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to halve plastic bag useage.
Shops Bags A Green Deal For Environment
There's been a warm NI welcome for a national pledge by leading UK retailers to halve the number of carrier bags given to shoppers by spring 2009. Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has hailed the deal between the UK Government and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to halve plastic bag useage.
09 February 2012
People Urged Not To Burn Smoky Coal
People in Northern Ireland have been urged to try and refrain from burning smoky coals to prevent widespread air pollution. Heating is more expensive in Northern Ireland and people are turning to coal to heat their homes and save money but a new report has said that this move comes at the expense of the environment.
People Urged Not To Burn Smoky Coal
People in Northern Ireland have been urged to try and refrain from burning smoky coals to prevent widespread air pollution. Heating is more expensive in Northern Ireland and people are turning to coal to heat their homes and save money but a new report has said that this move comes at the expense of the environment.
28 February 2008
M&S Carrier Bag Charge Follows NI Trial
Following a trial period at Marks & Spencer stores in Northern Ireland and others in southwest England, High Street retailer Marks and Spencer has announced plans to charge customers 5p for each plastic bag they use.
M&S Carrier Bag Charge Follows NI Trial
Following a trial period at Marks & Spencer stores in Northern Ireland and others in southwest England, High Street retailer Marks and Spencer has announced plans to charge customers 5p for each plastic bag they use.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
