Gold checks uncover weighty problem

NEARLY a third of pawnbrokers and jewellers in Hull have been using inaccurate scales.

By law customers have a right to be told the weight of the gold they are trying to sell and only approved scales can be used to weigh the precious metal.

But at 10 of the 27 businesses visited by a trading standards officer from Hull Council the scales used were not approved and eight were inaccurate.

Those who have not complied have been issued with advice.

The officer also found wide variations in the price of gold. For the same 47g nine carat gold chain he was offered from 422 to 280.

Acting City Trading Standards Officer Chris Wilson said: "The results of the survey conducted by our trading standards officer supports our ongoing advice to consumers that it is best to shop around before committing to a sale or purchase.

"The premises that were found to be non-compliant with the law have been revisited and given guidance to ensure they give customers a reasonable price for gold items.

"They will also be revisited in the future to make sure they maintain an improved standard of commercial practice."