18/02/2008
Campaigners Disappointed By Commission Report
The hotly anticipated report from the Competition Commission has recommended that no major changes should take place in the grocery market.
Despite hopes from campaigners - and recommendations in a previous report in October 2007 - supermarkets will not have to sell any of their current reserves of land.
However, the much hoped for competition test - in which planners consider the current market share of a supermarket chain before granting planning permission, should be introduced.
But this test will only apply to large stores of over 10,000 square feet.
This means small shops owned by the big four, such as Tesco Express, will be given free rein to carry on opening up in the centre of towns.
Supermarkets will have to alter some of their development practices such as the underhand tactics that enable chains to effectively ban rivals from building stores in towns in which they have a dominant position.
Campaigners have said that this is not enough to discourage monopolies. Sandra Bell at Friends of the Earth, told The Times: "Having a Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrison in your town, rather than four Tescos is not really the answer. It will damage genuine diversity and independent retailers."
One major development that campaigners have welcomed is the recommendation of an Ombudsman, who would have the power to check up on how supermarkets treat their suppliers.
With the four largest supermarket chains now controlling 76.2% of the grocery market experts claim, however, that nothing will change substantially following the exhaustive study.
The supermarkets have argued that their success has come from offering an ever wider and increasingly cheap range of goods.
(VB/JM)
Despite hopes from campaigners - and recommendations in a previous report in October 2007 - supermarkets will not have to sell any of their current reserves of land.
However, the much hoped for competition test - in which planners consider the current market share of a supermarket chain before granting planning permission, should be introduced.
But this test will only apply to large stores of over 10,000 square feet.
This means small shops owned by the big four, such as Tesco Express, will be given free rein to carry on opening up in the centre of towns.
Supermarkets will have to alter some of their development practices such as the underhand tactics that enable chains to effectively ban rivals from building stores in towns in which they have a dominant position.
Campaigners have said that this is not enough to discourage monopolies. Sandra Bell at Friends of the Earth, told The Times: "Having a Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrison in your town, rather than four Tescos is not really the answer. It will damage genuine diversity and independent retailers."
One major development that campaigners have welcomed is the recommendation of an Ombudsman, who would have the power to check up on how supermarkets treat their suppliers.
With the four largest supermarket chains now controlling 76.2% of the grocery market experts claim, however, that nothing will change substantially following the exhaustive study.
The supermarkets have argued that their success has come from offering an ever wider and increasingly cheap range of goods.
(VB/JM)
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09 January 2014
Sales Fall For Major Supermarkets
Supermarket chain Morrisons has reported a 5.6% fall in its like-for-like sales in the six weeks to 5 January. One of its major rivals, Tesco, has also unveiled a decline in their like-for-like sales during the Christmas period of 2.4%. The news comes just a day after Sainsbury's said it's sales had increased by 0.2% over the 14 weeks to 4 January.
Sales Fall For Major Supermarkets
Supermarket chain Morrisons has reported a 5.6% fall in its like-for-like sales in the six weeks to 5 January. One of its major rivals, Tesco, has also unveiled a decline in their like-for-like sales during the Christmas period of 2.4%. The news comes just a day after Sainsbury's said it's sales had increased by 0.2% over the 14 weeks to 4 January.
13 June 2013
One In Six UK Children Living In Poverty
New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that one in six children are living in poverty. 2.3 million, or 17%, of Uk children were recorded as "living in homes with substantially lower than average income" in 2011-2012. A figure that rises to 3.5 million, or 27%, when housing costs are deducted from incomes.
One In Six UK Children Living In Poverty
New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that one in six children are living in poverty. 2.3 million, or 17%, of Uk children were recorded as "living in homes with substantially lower than average income" in 2011-2012. A figure that rises to 3.5 million, or 27%, when housing costs are deducted from incomes.
18 April 2013
Paralysed Man Takes Up Right-To-Die Appeal
A legal challenge brought by the late Tony Nicklinson, over the right to die with help from a doctor, has been taken up by 58-year-old Paul Lamb. Mr Lamb has been paralysed since he was severely injured in a car accident in 1990.
Paralysed Man Takes Up Right-To-Die Appeal
A legal challenge brought by the late Tony Nicklinson, over the right to die with help from a doctor, has been taken up by 58-year-old Paul Lamb. Mr Lamb has been paralysed since he was severely injured in a car accident in 1990.
21 April 2011
Over 80,000 On Benefit For Addictions
The government have revealed that over 80,000 people in the UK are claiming incapacity benefit due to addictions. Claimants main issues relate to alcohol, drugs or obesity. More than a quarter in the study had not worked in over a decade, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed.
Over 80,000 On Benefit For Addictions
The government have revealed that over 80,000 people in the UK are claiming incapacity benefit due to addictions. Claimants main issues relate to alcohol, drugs or obesity. More than a quarter in the study had not worked in over a decade, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed.
23 October 2007
Recycling Targets Will Be Missed: Report
It has been claimed that the UK will fail to hit important recycling targets. A new report has revealed that as much as 40% of the packaging used by leading supermarkets cannot be recycled. The Local Government Association (LGA) document has warned that big food chains must therefore cut back on excessive packaging.
Recycling Targets Will Be Missed: Report
It has been claimed that the UK will fail to hit important recycling targets. A new report has revealed that as much as 40% of the packaging used by leading supermarkets cannot be recycled. The Local Government Association (LGA) document has warned that big food chains must therefore cut back on excessive packaging.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.