A SUPERMARKET chain in Liverpool was targeted by campaigners complaining it is contributing to the exploitation of British workers.

Unite the union used a six-foot tall chicken and megaphones to attract attention to their demonstrations outside Tesco stores yesterday.

The union is complaining about a lack of information on meat labels and is claiming to have evidence of sexual discrimination and poor treatment of meat workers in Tesco’s supply chain.

The union believes that the importing of meat from countries like Thailand and Brazil is driving down conditions for low-paid workers in the British meat trade.

Unite organiser Nick Kearns, who spent the day dressed up in the chicken outfit, said: “The supermarket’s desire to source meat more cheaply is contributing to a race to the bottom in the UK supply chain.

“We had a great deal of support, as we always do in Liverpool, from the people we spoke to who were shocked by what we had to say. There was genuine interest.

“We’re calling on Tesco to use its influence to ensure companies in its meat supply chain sign a minimum standards agreement and to establish Tesco Ethical Model Factories.”

He also pointed out that the Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced that it is to examine the UK’s multi-billion pound meat industry for evidence of employment abuse and discrimination.

But Tesco has hit back at Unite.

A statement said: “Contrary to their claims, Tesco has yet to see a shred of evidence from Unite to back up what they say.

“It is not for Tesco to tell suppliers who they should employ or what terms and conditions they should offer.

“Unite should take up any cases they have with individual businesses and provide any evidence they have of unfair or poor treatment.”