Campaign against Sir Philip Green sees protesters target Topshop’s Oxford Street store
Protesters have targeted Topshop’s flagship store in a campaign against its owner and former BHS boss Sir Philip Green over the living wage
More than 200 demonstrators including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, brought traffic around the store to a standstill earlier today (15 May) as they massed outside the entrance to the store. Brandishing banners and placards, the protestors reportedly shouted “Topshop, shame on you” as part of an apparent campaign for a real living wage for cleaners at the global fashion retailer.
Teresa Grey, a member of the United Voices of the World trade union, said the group took to the streets to “make their voices heard”. She said: “Two Topshop cleaners joined our union. For that, one was sacked, the other suspended.” Asked where they were marching to, she said: “No idea. We’re just marching.”
Scuffles broke out between the group and police as the latter tried to move them from the store.
The protestors then gathered outside the Marble Arch store where they continued to chant and bang drums, forcing the store to close its shutters. Shoppers were locked inside for around 15 minutes, the Guardian reported.
Green’s business affairs have come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks over his sale of BHS, which recently collapsed into administration. The retailer has been saddled with a pension deficit of around £571m despite Green and other investors collecting more than £580m during his ownership.