Penneys (Primark) drops firms using child labour

Penneys drops firms using child labour Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:24

Trócaire has said that consumers should ask retailers tough questions about how in inexpensive clothes are sourced.

The charity was commenting on a report that three factories in India which supply clothing retailer Penney's were using child labour.

The BBC Panorama documentary found that t-shirts sold in the Penney's chain of stores were finished by child workers paid just 76 cent a day.

Primark, which trades as Penny's in Ireland, says that it investigated the allegations immediately, and that the three factories concerned had subcontracted out the work without its knowledge.

The company says that it will no longer buy goods from the factories concerned.

Primark has built up a business valued €6.3 billion based on fashionable clothes low prices.

UK clothing firm Primark has fired three Indian suppliers because they used child labour to finish goods.

The suppliers sub-contracted smaller firms, which were using child labour to carry out embroidery and sequin work.

The BBC's Panorama programme, which carried out a six-month investigation, alerted Primark to the problems.

Consumers are increasingly demanding that companies produce goods in an ethical manner, turning the spotlight on worker wages and working conditions.

'Lapse in standards'

"The information provided by the BBC enabled us to identify that illegal sub-contracting had been taking place and to take action accordingly," Primark explained.

According to Primark, the garments affected accounted for 0.04% of the retailers' worldwide sourcing.

It added that "the sub-contracting involved home working and in some instances children were also found to be working at home".

"We take this lapse in standards very seriously indeed," said Primark, which is owned by Associated British Foods.

"Under no circumstances would Primark ever knowingly permit such activities, whether directly through its suppliers or through third party sub-contractors."