Angela Crawley raises gender pricing in Parliament

LOCAL MP CALLS FOR COMPANIES TO ACT ON THE ‘FEMALE PREMIUM’

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley raised the issue of gender pricing in a Westminster Hall debate this week.

The debate followed an investigation by The Times last month showing retailers and brands, including Boots, Argos, Tesco and Levi Strauss charge higher prices for products aimed at women.

Boots have since announced a review of their pricing, and today (Thursday) Superdrug followed suit.

Ms Crawley also highlighted the need for the Government to act, calling for the Prime Minister to make the removal of Tampon Tax a key part of his EU renegotiations.

During the debate, Angela said:

“Women pay 37% more than men for the same products, which seems ludicrous, yet it is a reality that has an impact on the incomes of women on low pay.

“The fact that 25% of women earn less than £10,000 a year should be a stark reminder to us that this is something that we should tackle in this House.

“Although it is the responsibility of retailers, we in Parliament and those in the Government have a responsibility to put pressure on retailers to take serious action.

Commenting after, the Lanark and Hamilton East MP said:

“The Government must ensure that an independent analysis is conducted to identify the extent of unfair gender pricing and marketing practices in the UK.

“The impact of gender differentials in pricing on women must be quantified.

“Women may pay thousands of pounds more over their lives to purchase similar products to men.

“We need look no further than the tampon tax as an example of this injustice.

“The fact that tampons are seen as a luxury, yet Jaffa cakes, flapjacks, crocodile meat and alcoholic jellies are not is unbelievable.

“I welcome Boots and Superdrug’s decision to commission a review into gender pricing and I would urge other companies to follow their lead.”