ETHICAL SHOPPERS BELIEVE THEY CAN HELP STOP CHILD LABOUR

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Co-operative Financial Services News Release ETHICAL SHOPPERS BELIEVE THEY CAN HELP STOP CHILD LABOUR On World Day Against Child Labour (12 June, 2003), a new poll reveals that ethical shoppers believe they have the power to influence change. More than half of consumers taking part in a Co-operative Bank on-line poll believe they can best influence corporate responsibilities by shopping for ethical products or boycotting companies they feel are unethical Whilst over 50 per cent opt for the direct action approach less than one in four believe that the way they vote and the legislative process will bring about change. Simon Williams, the Co-operative Bank's Director of Corporate Affairs, said: "This research shows that consumers believe they can influence change in society more by the way they shop than by the way they vote. On World Day Against Child Labour, it is clear that consumers feel they can help stop the use of child labour through direct contact with a business and by positively seeking to buy ethical products. Indeed, if necessary it is clear that they will boycott companies which they believe are unethical." Each year The Co-operative Bank publishes an annual Ethical Purchasing Index (EPI) designed to act as an ethical spending barometer. Last year's EPI published in November 2002, showed that expenditure on green products and services increased by a massive 19 per cent last year compared to the UK economy as a whole, which grew by just 2.1 per cent. Ends 10 June 2003 For further information contact: Dave Smith Co-operative Financial Services Press Office Tel: 0161 829 5091 Fax: 0161 839 4220 e-mail : paul.lawler@co-operativebank.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/06/10/20030610BIT01050/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/06/10/20030610BIT01050/wkr0002.pdf

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