The Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton has signed new regulations into law for the grocery sector.

The new rules cover areas in the interests of jobs, consumers and sustainable safe food.

The regulations are aimed at re-balancing relationships between different players in the sector, ensuring that dealings are fair and sustainable.

The new rules, which come into effect on April 30, say suppliers must be paid for goods within 30 days.

They also provide for all grocery goods contracts to be in writing and stipulate that both parties must consent to any changes or terminations in contracts.

The regulations also say that suppliers can require retailers or wholesalers to provide forecasts of goods needed.