Take action now for a supermarket watchdog
Last year the Competition Commission recommended a new watchdog to oversee the relationship between UK supermarkets and their suppliers. The so-called ‘Big 4' -- Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons -- all oppose its creation. It's time for the government to act.
The government was due to formally respond by 4 November 2009, 90 days after it received an official recommendation from the Competition Commission. As yet, an official announcement has not been made. We need to keep the pressure on government to avoid any further delays, and ensure that an ombudsman is established.
Below is a suggested text to write to your MP. If you do not know who your MP is, you can find out by visiting this website.
Send your email and CC us in (mailroom@waronwant.org) so we can keep track of the impact we're making.
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Dear ______________ MP, Supermarkets today wield unprecedented power on a global scale.To keep prices low and profits high, UK supermarkets cut costs by squeezing suppliers abroad. These cuts are passed on to workers in the developing world who earn a pittance and suffer from appalling working conditions. Despite working 80 hours a week, many workers are not able to earn a living wage. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is still considering a proposal from the Competition Commission to establish a supermarket watchdog, although the informal deadline of 4 November has passed, marking 90 days since the Competition Commission made its formal recommendation to government. Given sufficient power, a watchdog could help end the exploitation of overseas workers. People in the UK want workers to be treated fairly. A recent YouGov poll shows that eight out of 10 shoppers want a supermarket watchdog. Yet the so-called ‘Big 4' -- Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons -- all oppose its creation. Please sign EDM 192 which calls for the establishment of a supermarket ombudsman. Please also write to Lord Mandelson, the minister responsible, urging him to act as soon as possible to: • establish an independent supermarket watchdog. I look forward to receiving your response. Yours sincerely,
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