Government relaxes elements of competition law temporarily to allow supermarkets to work together
Introduced by
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Transport, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Targeted at
Supermarkets
Timings
Announced on 19 March 2020. Change to drivers' hours rules from 20 March 2020, single-use carrier bag charge waived for online deliveries from 21 March 2020
Stated aims
To 'enable retailers to work together for the sole purpose of feeding the nation during these unprecedented circumstances'
Summary
This relaxation of competition laws allows retailers to share data on stock levels, cooperate to keep shops open or share distribution depots and delivery vans, and pool staff to help meet demand. The government has also temporarily relaxed rules around drivers' hours and is waiving the 5p plastic bag charge for online purchases.
Gov.uk press release