Regulator Issues Warning to Scaffolders Over Price-Fixing Concerns

Scaffolders Warned Over Potential Price-Fixing by Jersey Regulator

Scaffolding firms in Jersey have been cautioned by the island’s competition watchdog amid concerns over potential price-setting practices.

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) has issued an open letter to scaffolding suppliers, urging them to comply fully with local competition law. The warning comes after the authority received information suggesting that competition may not be operating effectively within the sector.

Price-setting, or price-fixing, occurs when businesses agree among themselves on a standard rate for services—an anti-competitive practice that can lead to inflated prices for consumers.

In a public statement, 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.”

While the authority clarified that it is not alleging any legal wrongdoing at this stage, it acknowledged that the information received has raised serious concerns about pricing conduct in the scaffolding industry.

JCRA Chief Executive Tim Ringsdore emphasized that any submissions from the public or businesses will be treated confidentially.

“Competition benefits everyone—consumers, businesses, and the wider economy,” he said. “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.”

The regulator is now calling on stakeholders to come forward with any relevant information.