Oxfam response to new commitments announced by Tesco for improving labour conditions and wages alongside its suppliers in its banana supply chain

Responding to new commitments announced by Tesco for improving labour conditions and wages alongside its suppliers in its banana supply chain, Radhika Sarin, Oxfam Private Sector Senior Adviser, said:

“With issues such as low wages, precarious work and gender inequality becoming even starker since the pandemic, Oxfam commends Tesco for its commitment, in line with recommendations from Oxfam’s Behind the Barcodes campaign.

“It is important that Tesco is integrating its living wage commitment into its own purchasing practices by financially contributing to fill living wage gaps where they exist, and by committing to reward suppliers who progress in this area with increased business.

“However, wider industry action is crucial. Food retailers must join forces in addressing the barriers to achieving living wages throughout their supply chains.

“We urge Tesco, and other businesses in the food sector and beyond, to ensure their suppliers listen to the experiences of all their workers and include gender-specific steps in their living wage action plans to tackle the barriers that are holding so many women back.”

Ends

For more information please contact: Sophie Bowell / sbowell@oxfam.org.uk / +44 (0) 7810 814980

Notes to editor:

• Tesco’s financial contribution to help suppliers move towards closing the living wage gap (where it exists) will be at a rate which is proportionate to the volume of bananas sourced by Tesco. As such, other food retailers will need to join Tesco in bridging the wage gap if supply chain workers are to receive a living wage.
• A living wage is defined as the wage received for a standard work week that is the minimum needed to afford a decent standard of living in a specific location for the worker and her or his family. A living wage gap is the difference between actual wages and living wages.