Grocer Sainsbury’s and outdoor clothing specialist Mountain Warehouse have become the latest retailers to lend their support to a campaign to scrap VAT on period pants.
The pair have signed up to the call for reform, which was launched by Marks & Spencer and period pants brand Wuka and backed by other big industry names such as Tesco and Primark, and pledged to pass on savings to customers.
Their involvement brings the number of supporters of a public letter on the issue sent to the financial secretary to the Treasury to 70. A public petition has so far gathered 26,000 signatures.
This week, Marks & Spencer will remove VAT from its period pants range as it awaits a response from the government, expected on Friday.
Sainsbury’s clothing, home and furniture director Christine Kasoulis 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. We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer and are always looking to do the right thing for our customers and colleagues.”
M&S corporate affairs director Victoria McKenzie-Gould said: “It’s fantastic to see two other major retailers join our campaign – momentum is building.
“As we get nearer to the 100,000 mark on the petition, our campaign will continue so that we say pants to this tax and level the playing field, so whatever period product someone chooses to use it is VAT-free.
“From tomorrow, we are going to cover the cost of VAT on period pants to make things fairer, sooner for our customers, and encourage the government to do the right thing ahead of the deadline for their response.”
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