The advert was posted on YouTube (link opens in new window) on 19th February and aired on prime time ITV1 last night during the final episode of Broadchurch.
Airing of the advert coincides with the inquest into the death of Slovakian Crossrail worker René Tkacik, who was killed last year by wet concrete falling on him. (See previous report here.)
Ucatt general secretary Steve Murphy said: “This advert is extremely insensitive and offensive. There is nothing amusing about accidents on construction sites and the timing of the advert could not have been worse. If Walkers have a social conscience they should remove the advert and immediately apologise to Mr Tkacik’s family.”
Helen Clifford from law firm Leigh Day, who is representing the parents of Mr Tkacik, said: "Whilst we acknowledge that there was no malice on the part of the team behind the advert, this does seem in very bad taste, especially as René Tkacik’s family are in the country and could have seen this advert on prime time television."
Mr Murphy added: “Rather than make fun of the dangers faced daily by workers on construction sites perhaps the media should ask itself why when a worker is killed, these tragedies are often ignored. Construction deaths and accidents should not be considered an occupational hazard.”
Walkers Crisps marketing director Rachel Holms was quoted by The Grocer magazine's website yesterday saying: “We know that people love Walkers ads, and the fun that Gary Lineker brings to any situation. It was essential for us to continue to capture the cheeky tone and warmth Walkers is famous for in this new campaign.”
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