28 August 2007, 20:29 PM
  • According to new research, supemarket suppliers believe the multiples flout fair trading rules by threatening to stop buying from those that make complaints about them.

The survey of 50 UK supermarket supplier directors found three-quarters did not feel comforted by Office of Fair Trading rules that prevent the stores cancelling their orders if suppliers complain about them.

More than half of those polled by accountancy firm Grant Thornton also believed supermarkets would close their accounts if they complained, the BBC reported.

The Competition Commission is currently investigating the power of the supermarkets as part of its probe into the grocery industry.