Primark roasted on winter sales ‘abuse’
14 January 2010
NEWS PEG: Thursday, 14 January 2010 Cold weather fuels big Primark sales rise
Retailer attacked over poverty pay workers
Cheap fashion retailer Primark is today accused of profiting from increased sales amid Britain's icy winter while leaving workers who produce its clothes out in the cold.
The attack came as Primark's parent company, Associated British Foods, announced recent sales by the fashion retailer exceeded its expectations.
Primark sales rose by 19 per cent in the 16 weeks to 2 January.
But amid bumper warm clothes sales in the chilly weather, Primark garment workers remain frozen out of its success, the charity War on Want claims.
It said people making Primark clothes overseas struggled to survive on poverty pay.
Last month the charity's research showed that workers toiled up to 84 hours a week and earned as little as £19 a month - less than half a living wage - making Primark clothes in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka.
And its report on three Primark factories in the same city just over a year ago revealed workers earning as little as 7p an hour for up to 80-hour weeks.
Simon McRae, senior campaigns officer at War on Want, said: "Shareholders will give a warm reception to Primark's latest sales triumph. But these figures will get a cool response from people in suppliers' factories abroad. It is high time Gordon Brown acted to ensure decent treatment for overseas workers producing clothes for Primark and other UK stores."
CONTACT: Paul Collins, War on Want media office (+44) (0)20 7549 0584 or (+44) (0)7983 550728
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