Supermarkets are one of the most powerful and important business lobbies in the UK today. Together, the four largest supermarkets sell over 75% of the groceries we buy every day. Not surprisingly, their profits have shot through the roof.
In the quest for cheaper and more abundant goods, supermarkets often put increasing pressure on their suppliers to deliver more, cheaper, faster. If suppliers want to sell into the UK market, they frequently have little choice other than to work through the supermarkets.
Increasing competition can mean that suppliers feel compelled to cut corners and too often it is the producers and workers – often in poor countries – who have to pay through working longer hours for less pay, in harsh conditions.
We have a great opportunity to turn the situation around
At the moment, an independent UK body called the Competition Commission is looking at the power of supermarkets and whether it can lead to a worse deal for consumers.
Traidcraft believes the Commission should also consider the effects of supermarkets’ relationships with their suppliers overseas, and get the government to act.
Our first step is to raise the issue among MPs, so that there is a strong public debate on what the role of supermarkets should be.
How to send your message
You can send your message by post or, if you can access your MP's email address, by email.
Sending your letter by post has more impact, so please do that if possible.
What to do
- Click here to find out your MP’s name and email address if you don’t know it – just enter your postcode.
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