Totally agree that Primark should be looking into their audit processes in infinitesimal detail to make sure issues such as this don’t ‘pop up’ unexpectedly and yes take the point Chris that maybe suppliers feel the need to use dodgy practices to meet the price expectations of Primark and ultimately their customers.

I would like to think that the PR team didn’t know about the practices already and keeping quiet intentionally. If they’re members of the CIPR, the code of conduct specifies that you must not undertake any unethical practices on behalf of your clients/company as you have a moral obligation to the companies publics which surely this would come under? Although maybe I’m slightly naive in this respect and maybe there are far too many dubious PRs out there than I would like to believe?!! :-)

I guess the other point about this whole scenario is whether the wage that workers are paid, whilst under the minimum specifications, is preferable to them than no job at all? Upping the wage would surely lead to less jobs leaving people out of work altogether. It would either be that or Primark’s prices would have to go up?!! I certainly don’t think stopping use of such suppliers without giving them a chance to improve their practices would do anyone any good at all.

Rant 2 over!! :-)

Loving the blog by the way! :-)

Melle