News
7th August 098/7/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has said that the creation of a new grocery ombudsman to oversee the relationship between supermarkets and suppliers would be a "positive step forward".
Creation of Grocery Ombudsman would be a positive move – Elliott
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has said that the creation of a new grocery ombudsman to oversee the relationship between supermarkets and suppliers would be a "positive step forward".
Speaking after the four largest supermarkets in the UK - Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s – said they would not support the creation of such an Ombudsman, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said – “For some time now it has being quite clear that the relationship between the farmer on the ground and those who sell the produce in the supermarkets has been quite tense. With this in mind, I believe that the creation of a Grocery Ombudsman would reassure those within the agricultural sector who supply the supermarkets that their interests are protected. The same assurances would also be given to the retailers and this then would provide a foundation for a new relationship between suppliers and retailers based on mutual desire to see both sectors develop and grow in partnership.”
“It is very disappointing to learn that four of the large retailers have said that they would not work with an Ombudsman. This is despite the fact that the Competition Commission, who have brought forward the suggestion for the creation of the role, did what they could to arrive at the minimum powers needed for a Grocery Ombudsman. On a brighter note, Marks and Spencer was one retailer who said they would be willing to work with an Ombudsman and I hope that the others follow their lead and see the positives that could come out of such a move.”
“It is vital that farmer’s interests are protected as well as those of the retailers. Both sectors rely on the support of each other and so anything that helps move the relationship forward between the two should be welcomed. I sincerely hope that the idea of a Grocery Ombudsman is not now disregarded but worked with until such times as it becomes a reality."
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