FDG felt that the code, which was set up last year and applies to supermarkets with more than 8% market share (PrintWeek, 23 March 2001), was not providing adequate measurement and control.

GPMU national officer Mike Griffiths said companies were continually complaining about breaches of the code.

"The code is a start, but clearly doesnt go far enough," said Cicely Brown, the BPIFs head of external and corporate affairs.

Monitoring forms will be given to companies allowing them to anonymously provide examples of breaches.

The breaches will then be sent to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to identify problems.

Griffiths said one of the main objections at the outset had been the OFTs decision to consult with supermarkets on the content of the code.

"We [FDG] remain unconvinced that the code will end breaches by supermarkets," he added.

Story by Andy Scott