South Korea's antitrust commission took credit Monday for positive changes for subcontractors, citing poll results that indicate less unfair practices since reforms in the sector began over a year ago.

According to surveys and public hearings by a special task force under the Fair Trade Commission, subcontractors, vendors and franchise store owners generally reported improved business conditions with their contractors in 2014 compared to the year before.

A total of 3,229 companies answered the surveys that took feedback on reforms intended to clamp down on business practices that hurt the interest of subcontractors. Most of the reforms were implemented from late 2013 or early 2014.

The FTC claimed there was a 25 percent drop in the so-called four major unfair trading practices, with 22.1 percent decline in the number of unfair commercial agreements.

Subcontractors who sign on with major conglomerates have long complained of being forced to accept unfavorable demands, risking losing franchise agreement and other partnerships if they refuse. Many have reported having to endure contractor-determined payments, rebates, supply agreements, product returns and even unauthorized use of technology.

The poll said 80 percent of the small and medium enterprises that make up the bulk of subcontractors responded there was an improvement in business practices last year compared to 2013.

Despite improvements, the corporate watchdog said that contractors have still been found to have engaged in unfair price cutting and coerced signing of contracts disadvantageous to subcontractors.

"There have been instances where contractors halted asking for sale rebates but demanded other forms of payment," an official said.

He said the FTC will increase probes against unfair trading practices and make further changes that will make it easier for subcontractors to report abuse without fear of reprisal. (Yonhap)