Golden Bear, which is based in Telford, is the manufacture of products based on the Wenlock Olympics and Mandeville – the official mascots of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
But an investigation was launched into allegations that workers at the Chinese factory that makes toys for the Golden Bear has violated workers’ rights. ”
Both the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the Golden Bear is investigating allegations that workers are working for a maximum of 11.5 hours per day for as little as 26p an hour.
A spokesman for London 2012 said it placed great emphasis on “environmental, social and ethical” when securing goods and services and took the allegations “extremely seriously”.
He said: “We have asked our independent monitor to conduct a thorough investigation and review of the allegations.
“The results of this study will be published when it is made.
“We have contacted all our licensees to renew their emphasis we place on sustainable procurement code, they each signed.”
Golden Bear said it was also conducting an immediate investigation, but confirmed that the plant had passed inspections by the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI).
The statement of the company said: “Golden Bear is very concerned about recent reports that a plant involved in a small volume of production of the Olympic enterprise may be in violation of labor rights.
“We are a family business that takes these issues very seriously and have created the certificates of conformity for all plants used to manufacture our products.
“We are currently conducting a prompt investigation and will be able to discuss these results as they are known.
“We can confirm however that the installation has passed inspection ICTI care process and we will work with bThA (British Toy and Hobby Association), ICTI CARE and other agencies to resolve any situation that may have been violated.”
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