Primark budget clothing unit said it will stop buying clothes from three factories in India which don't meet its ethical standards for working conditions.
The factories in southern India had subcontracted some embroidery and sequin stitching to firms not approved by Primark, the clothing retailer said today in an e-mailed statement.
The subcontractors employed adults and children to work from home, according to an investigation carried out by Primark, after it received information from the BBC. The garments accounted for 0.04 per cent of Primark's supply, the retailer said in the release.
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. Its retail operation in Ireland operates under the Pennys brand and it has 36 outlets in the Republic.
"Under no circumstances would Primark ever knowingly permit such activities, whether directly through its suppliers or through third party sub-contractors."