Boots UK Limited — Ethics Grade C

Boots UK Limited receives an overall ethics grade of C (52/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Retail. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 45
• privacy: 65
• consumer: 50
• environment: 60
• humanRights: 55

Documented incidents (3)

• Emergency Contraceptive Pricing Scandal (medium, 2017) — Boots faced criticism for refusing to lower the price of emergency contraception, while competitors offered cheaper options. The company cited concerns about 'encouraging inappropriate use' before eventually apologizing.
• Target-Driven Medical Service Pressure (high, 2016) — Pharmacists reported being pressured by management to conduct unnecessary Medicine Use Reviews (MURs) just to meet financial targets, potentially compromising patient care quality.
• Alleged Tax Avoidance Schemes (medium, 2013) — A report by trade unions and War on Want highlighted how Boots allegedly avoided millions in UK taxes through complex corporate structures involving private equity ownership.

Documented good deeds

• Macmillan Cancer Support Partnership — Boots has raised over £20 million for Macmillan Cancer Support through its network of pharmacists and stores.

Ethical alternatives

• Lush Cosmetics — High ethical standards on animal testing, carbon footprint, and fair pay.