Authority warns scaffolders against price setting

The JCRA wants to hear from consumers and businesses about potential anti-competitive behaviour

Scaffolding suppliers have been warned about price setting in Jersey by the competition authority.

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) issued an open letter reminding scaffolding businesses to comply with the island's competition law.

Price setting is when companies agree a set rate among themselves which can keep prices high for customers.

The JCRA said: "We have received information which suggests that competition may not be working effectively in this sector, and we want to hear from consumers and businesses about any past, current or potential anti-competitive behaviour they may have experienced in this sector."

However, it added: "We are not alleging that any scaffolding businesses have broken the law, but from the information we have already received, some concerns have been raised regarding pricing."

JCRA CEO Tim Ringsdore said any information it received would be "treated in confidence".

He said: "Competition benefits everyone - consumers, businesses, and the wider economy.

"It is therefore important that we act to identify and stop anti-competitive behaviours within Jersey's markets.

"Where suspected breaches of the competition law are identified we may investigate and if necessary take enforcement action."