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Primark drops child labour suppliers

Primark Oxford Circus, London- PA Photos

Budget clothing company Primark has dropped three Indian suppliers, after a BBC investigation revealed that they were using child labour.

The discovery was made by journalists for the BBC's Panorama; the show will be broadcast next week.

It was discovered that all three companies had sub-contracted work, and that children had been employed to work in their homes, for jobs such as embroidery on dresses and skirts.

The investigation found children as young as 11-years old working on Primark goods.

George Weston, the chief executive of Primark's parent company commented, 'We are appalled, we feel let down and we are taking all the action we can to prevent this happening again.'

All items made by these suppliers have now been removed from Primark stores nationwide, and business with the three suppliers has been promptly ceased.

Tuesday 17 June 2008


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Primark should be closed down! I think its good that they're taking action on child labour, however, people need to think about the adults who work for the fast-fashion company.
I have been watching Blood, Sweat and t-shirts and I think it's disgusting how the working conditions are so low.
I used to LOVE Primark but Marie-Claire has showed me how to shop fair-trade and organic!
x
Comment by Stacey on June 19 17:55

The truth is the only pressure that seems to work on these companies is economic, in my opinion, not buying their goods is the only way to make them sit up and take notice.
It is worth looking at the whole picture ie. does the company employ adults at a decent rate so that they can send their children to school? Does the company put anything into local education?
Comment by Marie on June 18 12:56

I agree with the comments that have already been made, I am still pondering whether to take similar actions like Ruth but then come to the problem that if we stop buying the labourers are going to stop receiving and just a couple of pounds can go along way for them.

However, do we look for other ways to support them through different organisations?





Comment by Desiree Iris Sandom Lockwood on June 18 09:25

The English community should ensure that Primark re-instate the 3 factories and give sufficient order until all the child labour reaches adult. Any labour law advocates to re-instate the labour give them education till they become adult.

Primark is the real sweat shop and the recession makes people forget many aspects in life.
Comment by stanley on June 18 06:18

I agree with the comments made by Mandy Boylett that many of these children will now probably starve because of the work that has been taken away from them. I think that as long as they are still getting their education and enjoying the work they do and being paid their worth then I don't think it hurts for children to do work as long as it is not 12 hour days 7 days per week. My son is a little older than 11 years but he has a little job for some while and has learned to be responsible with that money. I think pay the children what they are worth and be fair with them and let them also feel proud that they are being responsible and helping to look after their family.
Comment by Rachel Raza on June 17 22:03

I stopped buying from Primark about 5 years ago as I felt that it was unlikely clothes could be produced so cheaply without someone some where along the line being exploited. I'm delighted that the BBC have managed to expose the problem but I agree with Mandy Boylett's comment that the company should be looking into how they can support the children that were found to involved in production. H& M have their policy regarding the welfare of the people working for their suppliers on their website. If they find a child under 18 in one of the factories they stop the child from working there but then look at how the can support that child and family by, for example, offering the work to an adult family member.
Comment by Ruth Bone on June 17 10:44

The action taken by Primark is all very commendable. But how many of those children will now starve because they no longer have money for food? How many of the girls will be sold into prostitution by their destitute parents?

Surely a more complete solution is required to secure the welfare of these children.
Comment by Mandy Boylett on June 17 09:10


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