Government set to shake up supermarket sector
Only last week the Conservatives announced they would put in place an ombudsman to monitor and control the UK supermarket sector and today we see the Department of Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) announce its own plan to press ahead with an ombudsman for the sector. The sector has become a powerhouse in the UK economy over the last few years and is now something of a political hot potatoe.
The announcement by the Department of Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) comes after a recommendation by the Competition Commission which was prompted by a two year review of the sector amid claims of pressure being exerted on independent suppliers, many of whom depend upon supermarket trading volumes to survive. While the move has been welcomed by businesses, so far the Competition Commission has announced details a "code of practice" (which will be legally binding for all the 'big four' supermarkets and the remaining major players from next month) the Departments for Business, Industry and Skills (BIS) has yet to confirm the date on which an actual supermarket ombudsman will begin work. So is this just another ploy to grab the headlines?
At the moment it seems that headlines are more important than substance in many ways and we need the Departments for Business, Industry and Skills (BIS) and the Conservative Party to firm up on dates for the creation of the supermarket ombudsman as soon as possible.
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