Councillor in Primark policy attack

A COUNCILLOR from Edinburgh has criticised bosses at budget retailer Primark for shredding faulty clothes instead of giving them to charity.

Jason Rust, economic development spokesman for the Conservative group, wrote a letter after charity campaigners criticised the firm for cutting up "perfectly wearable" clothes.

"Primark appear to be acting in a grossly irresponsible manner," said Councillor Rust. "I am very concerned that we are shortly to welcome to the city a major company which, on the face of it, is not practising corporate and social responsibility.

"Seconds or damaged garments could easily be donated to charity.

"Primark's position is in stark contrast to other major retailers like Monsoon or Marks & Spencer. One can understand the company not wanting its clothes to be misrepresented but their policy is plain daft."

Monsoon donates faulty items to children's disability charity Newlife, while Marks & Spencer gives vouchers to customers that donate clothes they no longer want to Oxfam.