After scrutiny of the draft Bill to set up the body, MPs released a report today that recommended that the Adjudicator be able to fine supermarkets that breach the rules outlined under the groceries supply code.
The Committee also reiterated the importance of anonymity for suppliers bringing a complaint to the Adjudicator. MPs recommended that the Adjudicator should be able to launch an investigation from information provided by some third parties who could act on behalf of suppliers that were hesitant to come forward.
Many of the recommendations made by the BIS Select Committee are in line with those that organisations including Traidcraft, the National Farmers Union and Fairtrade Foundation have been calling for.
MPs were clear that the draft Bill should be amended to reflect these recommendations and be promptly introduced to parliament.
Adrian Bailey MP, Chair of the Committee, said ‘it is now already three years since the Competition Commission’s recommendations for an Adjudicator. The Government should move ahead with legislation as soon as possible’.
In response to the Committee’s findings, Paul Spray, Traidcraft’s Director of Policy and Programmes, said ‘we very much welcome the Committee's view that the Adjudicator should have the power to fine. The Select Committee has produced its report speedily - the government should now introduce the revised Bill’.
Despite recent attempts by supermarkets to delay setting up the Adjudicator, the efforts of Traidcraft’s campaigners are paying off. We are closer than ever to having a supermarkets watchdog.
However we need to continue to keep the pressure on the government to act fast – every day that passes without an Adjudicator is another day when suppliers in developing countries are squeezed by retailers, with no route to recourse.
Watch this space for more info on how you can take action in the fight for a fairer food supply chain.
