New supermarket watchdog needs teeth19 October 2012
After a long campaign by Friends of the Earth and others, the Government has agreed to set up a watchdog to help put an end to supermarket bullying.
This is a great success but if the watchdog is really going to hold supermarkets to account, it must have the power to fine those that break the rules - from the day it's set up.
What can you do?
Please email your MP to ask for the new supermarket watchdog to have teeth.
What's the problem?
A series of inquiries into supermarkets found that they pass 'excessive risks and unexpected costs' on to their suppliers in the UK and overseas.
The people that pick, pack and grow our food are often left with no choice but to work long hours for low pay in unsafe working conditions. This is all to meet the demands placed on them by supermarkets.
Our action
On Wednesday morning the Land, Food and Water programme joined up with ActionAid, Traidcraft, War on Want and SPEAK to stage an action calling for the new supermarket watchdog to have teeth.
Jo Swinson, a Minister at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, came out to meet us. She explained that while the new law means the power to fine could be brought in later, this decision can only be made by the Secretary of State.
This is better than nothing, but not ideal because the decision will be vulnerable to supermarket lobbying. Instead it should be an enforcement tool the independent watchdog can use from the very beginning.
Please email your MP to ask for the new supermarket watchdog to have teeth.
© Simon Rawles
