A leading UK trade union has today (27 Febuary) accused Marks & Spencer of not stopping “widespread discrimination” among workers in the country’s meat supply chain.

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The Unite union has placed an ad on Google directing viewers to its campaign, which details the alleged discrimination in the treatment of workers.


The ad urges viewers to “Look behind the label”, a spin on a central message from Marks & Spencer’s own ethical campaign, which was launched last year.


Unite has also launched demonstrations outside Marks and Spencer stores across the UK to demand that the group operates an “ethical supply chain”.


The union claims a “permanent two-tier workforce” among many suppliers has been created, where migrant agency workers are on lower pay and conditions than directly employed staff.

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Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said: “We are using virtual reality to highlight the actual reality for workers producing M&S meat and poultry. M&S must show respect for workers in its supply chain and insist that the meat supply industry ends exploitation and discrimination. This is a clear message to this world famous retailer that its time M&S practices what it preaches.”


Unite said it gave evidence to M&S and the other major retailers more than a year ago but added that, despite talks, the company failed to take action to stop meat suppliers exploiting its workforce.


A spokesperson for M&S said the union was “mistaken” in its claims and that it was“extremely disappointed” with the union’s actions.


“We have a leading position in labour standards and work very hard with all our suppliers to maintain these high standards,” the spokesperson added.