Claims could shrink Primark's sales by 40%

Allegations over child labour could be disastrous for one of the most popular names in the high street. Bargain fashion retailer Primark, which has two large stores in Brighton and Crawley, was accused by BBC programme Panorama of using suppliers in India which were shown to employ children for meagre wages. Although the chain reacted swiftly in axing the firms mentioned, a survey since the show was broadcast revealed that four in ten customers would think again about shopping at Primark following the revelations. The retailer blames Panaroma's findings on the fact that suppliers had been sub-contracting embroidery work without its knowledge. Despite this reassurance, the ICM research poll, commissioned by retail magazine Drapers, found that 42% of people who shop at Primark said they were less likely or a lot less likely to... [read full story]