Supplier alarm over whistleblowing line

According to the Grocer, the retailer is asking its entire UK supply chain to put up an information poster for the Supplier Protector line initiative in staff areas in all sites that manufacture product for Tesco. The poster calls on staff  who have any issues or concerns to raise them with their line manager, but tells them if they are still unhappy to call a helpline and ­report directly to Tesco. Proctectorline was initially developed as an internal mechanism for Tesco staff in its stores and offices to report concerns they had about the business, but following a recent trial with a number of its fresh meat and fish suppliers, Tesco wrote to suppliers last month informing them of its intention for the scheme to cover all UK producers and manufacturers. However, one concerned supplier told the Grocer that it represented a lack of trust from Tesco, and added that it also seemed unnecessary “considered the amount of hoops you have to jump through to become a supplier in the first place. We already have about four or five audits a year." Another small supplier said he was worried that the scheme was open to misuse and thus could jeopardise vital contracts. "What's to stop a disgruntled employee from using this line or even a rival?" he asked.