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The competition watchdog in Jersey has issued an open letter to the island’s scaffolding firms amid concerns that market competition may not be functioning properly.
The letter, sent on Wednesday by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA), forms part of a wider review into the construction sector. It urges businesses and consumers to report any instances of anti-competitive behaviour they have experienced, whether in the past or ongoing.
The JCRA said it had received information suggesting that “competition may not be working effectively in this sector”, though it emphasised that no specific allegations had been made against any company at this stage.
Concerns have reportedly been raised about pricing practices within the scaffolding industry. While the regulator stopped short of launching a formal investigation, it indicated that it would take enforcement action if evidence of lawbreaking emerged.
Tim Ringsdore, Chief Executive of the JCRA, 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.”
He added that any information received would be treated in confidence.
The open letter is the latest step in the JCRA’s review of the construction sector, which has previously faced scrutiny over potential barriers to fair competition. The Authority is responsible for enforcing the island’s competition law, which prohibits collusive behaviour, price fixing, and other practices that restrict market fairness.
The JCRA has not set a deadline for responses but has invited ongoing engagement from both businesses and members of the public who may have relevant information.
More details, including how to submit information to the Authority, are available on the JCRA’s official website.
