Syrian Refugees Working For Factories of Fashion Brands Zara and Marks & Spencer In Turkey - BBC Exposé
These workers are receiving a little more than a pound per hour - - well below Turkey's legally allowed minimum wage. They are also exposed to hazardous working conditions.
In response to the allegations, Marks and Spencer will work with its Turkish supplier to investigate if refugees are illegally employed in its supply chains. The company stressed its commitment to provide permanent legal employment and to ensure the non-recurrence of the issue.
Asos noted that the factory exposed by Panorama is not part of its audited subcontractors. The company's investigation revealed 11 Syrian adults and three Syrian children under 16 who are employed by the factory.
The Panorama documentary also cited Inditex, the parent company of Spanish fashion house Zara, for employing Syrian refugees who are working 12-hour days in workshops where they spray chemicals to bleach jeans. According to Panorama, the workers are not provided with face mask or personal protective equipment.
In June 2016, the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, a monitoring group, exposed the risks facing undocumented Syrian refugees who are hired by the Turkish garment industry. Among these risks are child labor, lower than minimum wage, and unsafe working environments.
According to Reuters, many Syrian refugees are working illegally in Turkey's garment industry. Turkish laws ban the employment of children under 15.
The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre has criticized fashion brands for their lack of action on labor exploitation. Other fashion brands it accused of labor malpractice include H&M, LC Waikiki, and New Look.
