Grocers Back Ombudsman Bid

Grocery retailers are backing a bid to establish a post that will provide oversight and regulation for the sector.

The NI Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has welcomed the announcement that UK Government will support the Competition Commission's recent recommendation to introduce a Grocery Ombudsman.

The new regulator will be charged with investigating abusive practices and arbitrating disputes between supermarkets and suppliers.

Following the introduction of a new code of practice next month, the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will be consulting on the powers and structure of the new Ombudsman.

Last week the Conservative Party also revealed their support for the introduction of a Grocery Ombudsman.

NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts (pictured) called the decision a "victory for common sense" and stressed that NIIRTA will seek to help Government to act quickly to put in place this vitally important safeguard of consumer interests.

"Political support for action has been hard fought," he said.

"Now there is a consensus that action is needed to make this happen quickly and to end the negative effects of harmful buying practices.

"In February the new Grocery Code of Practice - set up to look at these problems - will be in place and a regulator is needed to make sure it works.

"NIIRTA believes that the creation of a regulator as defined by the Competition Commission is the proportionate response to protect consumer interests and will not impede the ability for retailers to continue to compete.

"We would urge the Minister to stick closely to the parameters of the scheme developed by the Competition Commission, thereby ensuring that the regulator is efficient, independent and proactive," he continued.

"We have campaigned for action to address the consumer harm created by unfair competition in the grocery market for a number of years and have been pressing for the implementation of an Ombudsman since the recommendation of the Competition Commission in May 2008.

"In addition I will be pressing the NI Executive to outline how the Grocery Ombudsman will operate in Northern Ireland and in particular how it will liaise with our Government departments locally," Mr Roberts concluded.

(BMcC/GK)