The anti-poverty charity, War on Want, today welcomed the Government’s announcement that ministers have accepted the need for a supermarket ombudsman to police retailers’ behaviour towards suppliers.
The charity hailed the statement after its four years of campaigning for government regulation on supermarkets, but sought evidence that ministers will introduce tough curbs to halt supermarkets’ abuse of suppliers.
War on Want expressed concern that the Government’s announcement of further consultation will delay the urgent need for a watchdog.
The charity asked for government assurance that the ombudsman would not let supermarkets off the hook over trading abuse.
It urged ministers to indicate the length of the consultation, whether the ombudsman would have independence, as well as its structure, operation and powers, including whether the body will cover overseas and non-food suppliers.
Simon McRae, the charity’s senior campaigns officer, said: “At last the Government has acknowledged the need for a supermarket ombudsman amid many suppliers’ complaints of abuse. But Lord Mandelson must now minimise its delay and ensure the watchdog is independent, robust and has the authority to prevent stores exploiting overseas workers.”
