Waitrose has taken a significant step in addressing VAT costs on period pants, aligning with John Lewis and M&S.
- The initiative is part of a broader campaign urging the government to review the current VAT policy.
- Waitrose offers over 30 period underwear products, now covering their 20% VAT charge.
- Nicki Baggott supports this move, affirming period underwear as essential products.
- Sainsbury’s has also joined the campaign, pledging to pass VAT reductions onto consumers.
Waitrose, in an effort to advocate for gender equity in taxation, has joined forces with M&S and its sister company, John Lewis, to absorb the value-added tax (VAT) on period pants, thereby complying with an initiative to remove the financial burden on consumers. This movement is part of a larger campaign encouraging the government to reconsider its fiscal regulations on these essential items, as they are currently categorised in the same bracket as garments, attracting a 20% VAT rate.
Nicki Baggott, Waitrose’s sanitary products buyer, emphasized the necessity of classifying period underwear as essential rather than luxury items. She asserted, “It’s a no-brainer that period underwear should be classed as a period product. It’s the right thing to do, and will help our customers save money on everyday essentials.” This statement underscores an industry-wide recognition of period underwear’s importance in day-to-day life for many, aligning with calls for fiscal reform.
The campaign, titled ‘Say Pants to the Tax,’ aims to challenge and potentially overturn the existing governmental stance on period pants taxation. M&S has spearheaded this movement for the past two weeks, marking a significant push towards legislative change. Recently, the government has signalled a willingness to review this policy, representing a potential shift towards more inclusive and considerate tax regulations.
Further bolstering the campaign, Sainsbury’s announced its commitment to support the initiative, mirroring Waitrose’s approach by ensuring that any reductions in VAT are directly passed on to their customers. Such coordinated efforts highlight the industry’s collective resolve to address what is deemed an inequitable tax practice, earning commendation from social justice advocates and consumers alike.
Collectively, these actions by major retailers manifest a significant momentum towards achieving tax fairness for period products. The unified front presented by key players in the retail space underscores a compelling demand for policy adjustment, coupling commercial responsibility with consumer advocacy.
The concerted efforts by Waitrose, John Lewis, M&S, and Sainsbury’s signal a pivotal movement towards re-evaluating tax policies on period pants, advocating for greater economic accessibility.
