Final push to convince retailers to sign up to ombudsman

Taking out a full page advert in The Times newspaper today (Tuesday, May 26), they call for a ‘fairer deal for farmers, workers and consumers'.

Beneath the tag line ‘Supermarket watchdog – best before: Thursday' it highlights that there are now just 48 hours left before the CC closes its consultation on the ombudsman.

The advert says: “The abuse of market power by retailers means that farmers and growers in the developing and developed world are subject to unreasonable demands.

“This means they are less able to invest and innovate for the future, which results in consumers losing out as choice is reduced.”

It also names and shames those retailers refusing to sign up as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda, Iceland, Somerfield and Lidl.

ActionAid campaigner Jenny Ricks said: “The abuse of market power by retailers affects producers throughout the world, but consumers will be the ultimate losers as the choice of products available to them is reduced.

“If retailers do not sign up to the ombudsman then Government must step in and deliver it through legislation.”