Pressure groups — 4-mark explain

FastThread is a clothing brand that manufactures garments in overseas factories. A pressure group publishes a report alleging that some suppliers use workers under the age of 16. The report goes viral on social media.

Explain two ways this pressure group activity could affect FastThread.

[4 marks]

Mark scheme (AO1 + AO2):

Award up to 2 marks per impact:

• Reputational damage / loss of sales: pressure group campaigns can damage a company's reputation and brand image (AO1). If consumers boycott FastThread following the viral report, revenue will fall — particularly among FastThread's ethically conscious target market of 18–35-year-olds who care about sustainability (AO2). ✓ (B2)
• Operational/supplier changes required: pressure from a campaign can force a business to audit and change its supply chain (AO1). FastThread may be compelled to inspect and replace any supplier found to use underage workers — incurring audit costs and potentially switching to more expensive, certified suppliers (AO2). ✓ (B2)
• Government regulation risk: sustained pressure group activity can influence government to introduce new legislation (AO1). If MPs take up the campaign, FastThread may face new import regulations, forcing costly compliance (AO2). ✓ (B2)

Total: 4 marks.