Competition Commission backs down on tackling supermarket power

It said the report backed off recommending ministers tackle the big four supermarkets.

This was despite evidence from farmers, trade unions and non-governmental organisations which cited the devasting impact of supermarkets on suppliers in Britain and overseas.

War on Want, a member of the campaign group the Tescopoly Alliance, says the code of practice which currently governs supermarkets should be made legally binding and extended to suppliers overseas. It is also pressing for the appointment of a supermarket regulator to ensure fair treatment for suppliers and workers, with power to proactively investigate concerns.

Simon McRae, senior campaigns officer at War on Want, said: "Another government inquiry into supermarkets has found evidence of abuse, but failed to take action. We have exposed recent scandals on poverty wages for workers making clothes for Tesco and Asda. There must be a regulator to prevent supermarkets exploiting suppliers in the UK and abroad. Unless a regulator is appointed, ministers’ rhetoric on the need to make poverty history will seem like all mouth and no trousers."

Paul Collins
Media officer
War on Want
(+44) (0)20 7549 0584
(+44) (0)7983 550728