Waitrose accused of lack of transparency over GSCOP breaches | News

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Waitrose has been accused of a lack of transparency over alleged breaches of GSCOP after admitting the Covid crisis placed “unprecedented demand” on the business.

A report by the British Brands Group (BBG) found that across 2020-21 the number of reported alleged breaches of the code had fallen, from 155 to 124, despite what it called the “extreme pressures” felt by retailers and suppliers during the period.

However, the report singled out Waitrose for being “at odds with the obligations under the code” after it failed to publish details of any alleged code breaches.

Last year Waitrose reported 11 alleged breaches having been reported by by suppliers, the fifth-highest of supermarkets covered by the code.

In its report, based on official data from the13 supermarkets covered by the code, the BBG said it had proved flexible enough to provide protection to suppliers. This was despite fears the pandemic would result in widespread reports of short notice delistings by supermarkets.

“Taken overall, the number of alleged breaches, at 124, are fewer than reported in the previous year (155), despite there being one additional designated retailer,” said BBG director John Noble.

“This is particularly notable in light of the unique and challenging trading conditions that prevailed in 2020-21 and is testament to the efforts of the Adjudicator and designated retailers’ commitment to compliance.”

He added: “Most retailers report on alleged breaches, along with disputes and their outcome. This year Waitrose is the exception in not giving quantified information on alleged breaches, disputes or outcomes, despite one of the lengthier reports.

“All other retailers state either there have been no alleged breaches or give some numbers. It is therefore unclear from its report how Waitrose performed in relation to this aspect of its compliance with the code.”

The BBG report follows the official GCA survey in the summer, which showed showed fewer suppliers reported experiencing code-related issues, down to 29% from 36% in 202.

In its reporting Waitrose said: “The Covid-19 crisis placed unprecedented demand on our business and supply base. Waitrose responded to this with clear and regular communications to our suppliers, explaining the necessity behind the fast-paced and often quite drastic measures that we had to take to maintain our core services and supplies and play our part in feeding the nation.

“These regular communications were supported by extensive guidance from our legal and commercial management teams, which emphasised the code and a need to do what we reasonably could to support our suppliers.”

Waitrose has been approached for comment.

Source: www.thegrocer.co.uk

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