Child labour: is it slavery or a necessity?
The Observer newspaper says it found dozens of children, some as young as 11, working in sweatshops in New Delhi, India. They were producing clothes destined for the UK high street. Do you buy fashion bargains or not, what are your reasons for this?
The paper says some children received no money. They were working to pay off fees paid to their parents. They are threatened with prison if they try to leave.What are your thoughts about this form of child trafficking and slavery?
Reputable UK retailers say they only enter into contracts with companies that have good working conditions. But orders are large, with tight schedules. So work is often subcontracted. Do you think UK companies should monitor all subcontractors working on their garments?
Many campaigners recognise that poverty is so acute that some children are required to work to help their families. If factories close, they will take up other, more dangerous work. What do you think about these difficult ethical decisions.Are some forms of exploitation better or worse than others?
Those wanting to improve conditions say boycotts are not the answer - do you agree. Have you had experience of putting pressure on companies into improving working conditions, without cutting off the economic benefits to the poorest parts of the world?
As a young Friend, what do you think?
Send your responses to Cat.
Resources: Talking point - Do cheap clothes come at a cost?
By PJ White - Young People Now - 02/05/07