Asda has been slammed by a major poverty charity over roses costing just £2 a dozen, designed to woo cash-strapped shoppers for Valentine's Day.

The supermarket giant has been criticised by War on Want over the sourcing of the cut-price roses from Kenya, where Asda says employees earn a living wage of around £35 a month.

The charity cited research from two years ago indicating that Kenyan workers regarded a living wage as £50 a month.

"Asda's ethical claims for its £2-a-dozen roses are a blooming cheek," said War on Want senior campaigns officer Simon McRae.

"Most Kenyan women supplying flowers for British supermarkets face hard lives trying to make ends meet on poverty wages. The UK Government must show it cares for Kenyan flower workers by introducing regulation to ensure a living wage and decent work."

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