An investigation by Which? a consumer watchdog has revealed inadequate staffing levels for trading standards in many areas of the United Kingdom.
As part of a Freedom of Information request into capacity and performance, consumer group Which? contacted 187 trading standards services in England, Wales, and Scotland. Reponses were received by November 2024.
Which? said some areas have fewer than one trading standards officer per 100,000 people and there are situations where small teams of staff are responsible for enforcing certain areas of compliance by some of the world’s biggest businesses.
Trading standards officers have a range of responsibilities including the safety of consumer goods, food labeling and allergen requirements, and animal health and welfare.
About two thirds of trading standards services that answered Which?’s question about allocating resources said that low staffing levels meant they could not investigate tip-offs at least some of the time.
Which? said funding was a big factor but also called on the government to review and reform trading standards by looking at prioritizing resources more effectively and the sharing of services, better use of intelligence, and a greater role for national regulators.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: “Our research shows that trading standards is no longer fit for purpose. Millions of people face a postcode lottery, which dictates whether they get adequate protection from crime, dangerous products and blatant rip-offs.”
Hear the findings of the investigation – Which? Shorts podcast: why trading standards isn’t fit for purpose – Which? News
