The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) is the UK’s first independent adjudicator to oversee the relationship between the major supermarkets and their suppliers.
As the GCA held its annual conference, the Groceries Code Adjudicator Network (GCAN), a coalition that includes Sustain and Sustain members War on Want and the Fairtrade Foundation, called on government to strengthen its powers.
Currently, the watchdog's remit limits its ability to find and punish exploitation in supply chains. GCAN called for the upcoming review by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure the body has the powers it needs.
At the conference, Christine Tacon, the Adjudicator, claimed significant progress had been made in enforcing the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, with the regulated supermarkets making meaningful changes to reduce abuses. However, she also expressed disappointment at the low number of suppliers willing to come forward with information, despite assurances of confidentiality. The main reason they gave was fear that their relationship with a retailer would be damaged.
The Adjudicator announced a new consultation on payments for positioning, one type of bad practice that she wishes to focus on this year. Find out how to respond to the consultation here.
The Groceries Code Adjudicator Network (GCAN) is an independent coalition of NGOs, unions and food associations, which would like fair trading practices, such as paying suppliers on time and in full, to be enforced at every level of the supply chain.
Find out more about Sustain's work for a fairer food system here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
