Goldteam's Blog

The new supermarket ombudsman and the recruiter relationship

February 10, 2010 at 5:09 pm | Posted in fmcg | 1 Comment
Tags: gangmaster, GLA, recruitment, recruitment agencies, supermarket

Posted by Karen Furminger
I was interested – and pleased – to read that that the Government is to create a new supermarket ombudsman to help resolve disputes between grocers and their suppliers. All too often we see big players demand very high standards ( as well as very tight margins)  from their suppliers which can result in issues at the bottom of the chain.  However, I have to say that some supermarkets are really setting an excellent benchmark. Waitrose, for example, is working with its supply chain and the Gangmasters Licencing Authority to establish clear guidelines to follow and is offering help and support to achieve them. This includes audit standards that reflect legislative requirements. It is with these sorts of actions that better stronger links can be made. Direct contact and close working relationships from the supermarkets with the recruitment agencies is needed to ensure that messages and guidance are not diluted. This will also ensure that any framework reflects the needs of all stakeholders in the chain. At Goldteam we would certianly welcome inclusion to working parties and forums to achieve better standards for all.