Sainsbury’s and Mountain Warehouse join campaign for removal of VAT from period pants
Marks & Spencer has announced that Sainsbury’s and Mountain Warehouse have joined its campaign to urge the Government to remove VAT from period pants.
Both retailers have pledged to pass on the cost saving to customers if VAT is removed. Earthwise, a reusable period product business, has also put its name to the campaign.
Christine Kasoulis, clothing, home and furniture director at Sainsbury’s, said: “We want our customers to be empowered by freedom of choice in the types of period products they use and for many, price can be a barrier. Period pants are an innovative and sustainable solution, and we stand with M&S and WUKA against the unfair price premium currently in place.”
M&S has also announced that it will cover the cost of VAT across its period pants range as it awaits a response from Government, which is due on Friday 24 August. Customers will see the new lower prices reflected at checkout in-store and online.
Since launching the campaign with WUKA two weeks ago, M&S has also been joined by Tesco and Primark, as well as charities Freedom4Girls, Wellbeing of Women and Bloody Good Period.
Victoria McKenzie-Gould, corporate affairs director at M&S, said: “More than 26,000 people have now signed the petition and it’s fantastic to see two other major retailers – Sainsbury’s and Mountain Warehouse – join our campaign with WUKA, as well as fantastic charities; momentum is building.”
