Retail is no level playing field
What have Sainsbury's Justin King and other retailers to fear of a mutually inclusive relationship with their suppliers that is just and fair? Suppliers would not need to use legislation and a policing body to enforce it. Besides, the outcome of any investigation would not always favour the supplier. Without suppliers there are no retailers.
Retailing is all about people and the 'shopping experience', while supply is usually about manufacturing, which has seen a progressive reduction in staff numbers via automation.
As for the retailers' comments about the expensive cars driven by manufacturers, I find this very sad indeed. For most companies this is not true while working six days a week is almost standard.
Jefta Kon Lakovic
chief executive,
Arnaouti Pitta Bread Bakery
