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.
 The Competition Commission Final Report | [Find out more about the proposals put forward in this report taken from the Competition Commission's website.] | 2676 Kb |
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.
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
- Click here and fill in your postcode to find out the email address of your MP.
- Below is a suggested text to send to them, asking them to press Lord Mandelson to implement the findings of the Competition Commission inquiry.
- Send your email and CC us in (mailroom@waronwant.org) so we know how the campaign is going.
| Dear ______________ MP, I am delighted that the Competition Commission has recommended the appointment of an Ombudsman and a new Grocery Supply Code of Practice following its 2 year investigation into the grocery sector. I believe it is essential the government demonstrates its commitment to delivering a fair deal for farmers and workers in the UK and overseas by supporting the Commission’s recommendations. As my MP, please will you write to Lord Mandelson, the minister responsible, and ask him to: • Support the creation of an independent Ombudsman. • Ensure that the Ombudsman is given sufficient powers and is proactive in gathering evidence from suppliers, including primary producers and overseas suppliers. The ombudsman must also be able to make changes to the Code if evidence of unfair practices not yet covered is found. I look forward to receiving your response. Yours sincerely, Name: Address: Postcode: |
