Supermarkets & Sweatshops
Competition Commission Grocery Inquiry – take action
The Competition Commission published the findings and recommendations from its two-year Grocery Inquiry in May 2008. A main focus of the inquiry was the behaviour of the four major supermarkets (Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco), and their relationship with suppliers, in particular, farmers.
The Competition Commission uncovered evidence of supermarkets squeezing suppliers to constantly reduce their costs while boosting their own profits. Evidence from War on Want and members of the Tescopoly alliance shows that overseas producers and workers supplying UK supermarkets are also suffering.
As part of the Tescopoly alliance, War on Want is calling on the UK government to make sure that the commission's recommendations are implemented. A key recommendation was the creation of a properly independent watchdog (or Ombudsman) with sufficient power to enforce the revised Supermarket Code of Practice. Included in its mandate should be the power to proactively gather evidence from home and overseas suppliers about unfair buying practices and the ability to make changes to the Code if new evidence of unfair practices is uncovered.
» Click here to email your MP, asking them to support calls for a supermarket ombudsman. Or, if you would like to order some copies of an action card, please call 0207 549 0586 or email sklier@waronwant.org
 |  | Tescopoly:
War on Want is a member of the Tescopoly Alliance, which challenges the power of Britain's largest retailer. Visit Tescopoly's external site to read their submission to the Competition Commission's inquiry into groceries. |
 | | Supermarkets & Sweatshops:
Supermarkets today wield unprecedented power on a global scale. From Bangladesh to South Africa, they dictate the terms at which overseas producers are forced to sell their goods. With threats to find new suppliers, they force prices down around the world. | |
