In a move that could potentially disrupt one of the busiest shopping days of the year, over 1,000 workers at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry, central England, have announced a four-day strike next month. The GMB trade union, which represents the workers, revealed that the strike will take place from November 7 to 9, as well as on November 24, famously known as Black Friday.
The ongoing dispute between Amazon and its workers revolves around pay, and this strike marks another escalation in the conflict that has seen multiple walk-outs throughout the year. The GMB trade union has been advocating for better wages and improved benefits for the workers.
In response to the strike announcement, Amazon UK Country Manager John Boumphrey emphasised that the company already offers competitive wages and benefits to its employees. However, the workers and their representatives argue that more needs to be done to address their concerns and ensure fair compensation for their efforts.
In other news, a recent study by Kantar Worldpanel has revealed a notable decrease in the rate of grocery inflation over the past month. The annual rate of grocery inflation dropped to 11% over the four weeks leading up to October 1, compared to the previous measurement of 12.2%.
Kantar attributed this decrease to the price war between supermarket chains, as well as an increase in spending on discounted goods. Shoppers, facing the continuing cost of living crisis, have been actively seeking bargains and taking advantage of offers. Additionally, drops in the prices of staple goods further contributed to the easing of grocery inflation.
This news brings some relief to consumers who have been grappling with rising food prices. It also highlights the competitive nature of the supermarket industry and the efforts made by retailers to attract customers in the face of economic challenges.
In an effort to combat food fraud, the UK’s food safety watchdog, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), has launched a new free phone line for reporting suspected food crimes. Food fraud encompasses various types of food-related crimes, including the sale of misrepresented products or the use of cheaper ingredients than what is indicated on labels.
The FSA estimates that food fraud costs consumers, businesses, and the government between £410 million and £1.96 billion annually. The new hotline aims to encourage individuals working in the food industry to come forward and share their concerns about potential food crimes in a confidential and secure manner.
By providing a dedicated platform for reporting, the FSA hopes to uncover and address instances of food fraud, ultimately safeguarding the interests of consumers and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain.
