Give shops watchdog teeth, urge charities

ActionAid, Friends of the Earth, Speak, Traidcraft and War on Want rallied outside the department's Westminster office to demand the Groceries Code Adjudicator, the new supermarket watchdog, be given the power to fine firms which harm the environment or exploit workers.

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons control three-quarters of Britain's grocery market, giving them tremendous power over suppliers.

The charities say this causes these firms to hit their workers, through low pay and naff conditions, or the environment.

And if the Groceries Code Adjudicator isn't allowed to fine supermarkets it won't be able to sort this scandal out, campaigners warn.

The law that will create the body, sent to the Commons last month, says it will "enforce the groceries code" - but the charities say this isn't enough and more should be done past naming and shaming offending supermarkets.

War on Want campaigner Murray Worthy said: "It is vital the government gives the supermarket watchdog the power to fine. A watchdog that is all bark and no bite won't be able to stop supermarkets bullying their suppliers."

Traidcraft policy director Paul Spray said it should send "a strong signal" to suppliers in developing countries that British supermarkets will be held to account.

But Business Minister Jo Swinson said the watchdog would have "strong powers" and it will be allowed to fine firms if naming and shaming isn't enough.