Unite photo opportunity and press release

What: Community activists in Hull demonstrate against supermarket profiteering

When: Monday 6th February 12.00pn -13.00pm

Where: Hessle Road Asda superstore (HU3 4PE)

Activists in Hull demand an end to supermarket profiteering

Asda's annual profits more than doubled from £487 million before the pandemic to £1.01 billion in 2021.

Meanwhile 20% of residents in Hull – 53,420 people – are living in food poverty.

A coalition of local campaigners and trade unionists will stage a protest outside Asda in Hull to highlight the deep injustice of residents in Hull going hungry while supermarkets like Asda engage in a grotesque display of unchecked profiteering.

Unite research shows the big 3 UK supermarkets made £3.2 billion profit in 2021/22. That’s 97% more profit than they made in 2019/20, the last full year before the pandemic.

Asda made £1 billion in profit in 2021, its earnings more than doubled from £487 million before the pandemic in 2019.

The injustice and impact of this unchecked profiteering is laid bare by a recent poll conducted in Hull which showed that;

20% of residents in Hull – 53,420 people – are living in food poverty.

80,130 local residents (30%) have either gone into debt or increased their levels of debt in order to meet the increased cost of grocery items.

Unite for a Workers’ Economy argues that instead of prioritising corporate profits, supermarkets should be lowering prices and paying their workers more.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “A coalition of local campaigners and trade unionists will be out in full force to expose the damage that supermarket profiteering is doing to our communities.

“Asda is engaging in a grotesque display of unchecked profiteering while tens of thousands of residents in Hull go hungry.

“Instead of prioritising corporate profits, supermarkets should be lowering prices and paying their workers more.”

From workplace to community Unite is driving a UK-wide strategy to help bring change to ‘heartland’ communities following the failure of politicians to act. ‘Unite for a Workers' Economy’ has begun with a major national campaign across key battle-ground seats up and down the UK, including Glasgow, Grimsby, Hull, Leigh, Barrow, Workington, Morecombe and Crawley.

ENDS

The Survation study’s use of MRP analysis allows us to accurately translate survey responses into robust estimates of the number of residents affected by cost of living pressures.  

 

Constituency: Hull

 

 

 

 

 

In the past month, have you or anyone else in your household Had smaller meals than usual or skipped meals / Been hungry but not eaten /Not eaten for a whole day because you couldn't afford food?

 

20% of residents in Hull are living in food poverty.

Which of the following best describes the situation you/your family are experiencing currently in relation to increases in household bills?

10% of residents in Hull are not able to pay their household bills this year.

In order to meet the increased cost of grocery items for you or your family, have you gone into debt or increased the level of your debts?

 

30% of residents in Hull have either gone into debt or increased their levels of debt in order to meet the increased cost of grocery items.



For more information please contact Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 

Email: Ci[email protected]

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: unitetheunion.org 

Unite is the leading union in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to defending and improving members' jobs, pay and conditions. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.