Secret message for Asda customers

When you next purchase clothes from an Asda supermarket, you may find a hidden message within pockets of the items regarding pay for factory workers. Campaigners for the charity ActionAid have allegedly been placing these secret messages into items of clothing at stores right across the country.

Many large UK cities have been targeted including Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. However, it is likely that the marketing will continue until Asda agrees to make changes.

Asda denies accusations that foreign factory workers are in need of higher pay, and claims it has taken measures in places such as Bangladesh which should lead to staff working less hours in better conditions and getting paid more. According to research conducted by the charity, it is proposed that paying workers better would only cost Asda an additional 2p on a typical T-shirt costing £4.

If you find one of the secret messages, the charity has said you will be able to receive a free ActionAid T-shirt and entry into a prize draw to win items such as Fair Trade clothing and food. As part of the campaign shoppers will also be able to send a message to bosses of Asda, which is owned by Walmart, to demand an improvement to workers’ pay.