The food industry is still waiting for an ombudsman
Despite encouraging news that an official and powerful new watchdog was being set up to help settle disputes between farmers and supermarkets, the Government have now announced that the appointment of an ombudsman will be on hold until after the general election. This has come as frustrating news to many, leading to accusations that labour ministers are 'dithering' over the issue.
The need to establish an official ombudsman was highlighted by the Competition Commission back in 2008, and it was expected that there would be an appointment by now, yet the Government have only offered a further consolation on the role and powers of the watchdog when appointed. The ombudsman will have the power to:
• Hear producer complaints over allegations of abuse from supermarkets and other retailers
• Establish and enforce a code of practise between producers and retailers, and between disputing parties
• To prevent retailers from passing excessive, sudden costs down to suppliers
These basic responsibilities are expected to be in place, but the consultation could see changes and new responsibilities added during the planned consultation, which will see everyone including MP's, farmers, supermarket bosses and union representatives weighing in with their opinions. One thing is for certain however, the eventual appointment of an ombudsman will make working relations easier for those in both production and retail food jobs.
The need to establish an official ombudsman was highlighted by the Competition Commission back in 2008, and it was expected that there would be an appointment by now, yet the Government have only offered a further consolation on the role and powers of the watchdog when appointed. The ombudsman will have the power to:
• Hear producer complaints over allegations of abuse from supermarkets and other retailers
• Establish and enforce a code of practise between producers and retailers, and between disputing parties
• To prevent retailers from passing excessive, sudden costs down to suppliers
These basic responsibilities are expected to be in place, but the consultation could see changes and new responsibilities added during the planned consultation, which will see everyone including MP's, farmers, supermarket bosses and union representatives weighing in with their opinions. One thing is for certain however, the eventual appointment of an ombudsman will make working relations easier for those in both production and retail food jobs.
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