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UPDATE! Keep the pressure on 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.

Use the form below to send an email to Lord Mandelson, the minister responsible, demanding that the government announces plans for a supermarket watchdog as soon as possible. Then ask your MP to do the same.

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Dear Lord Mandelson

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. I understand that 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 overseas workers to be treated fairly. A recent YouGov poll shows that eight out of 10 shoppers support a supermarket watchdog. In as short a time as possible, I urge you to put forward legislation to: • establish an independent supermarket watchdog. • ensure that the watchdog is given sufficient powers and is proactive in gathering evidence from suppliers, including primary producers and overseas suppliers.

Tags: campaigns | supermarkets & sweatshops