Olympic 'sweatshop clothes' probe

Allegations of "sweatshop" labour conditions for workers producing outfits for Olympic volunteers were being taken "extremely seriously", the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog) said.

Adidas, the firm at the centre of allegations made in The Independent, is said to be investigating the claims.

A spokeswoman for Locog said: "We place a high priority on environmental, social and ethical issues when securing goods and services and take these allegations extremely seriously."

She continued: "We have spoken to Adidas and they have assured us that they are investigating these allegations, the conclusions of which will be made public.

"We regularly remind all of our licensees of the importance we place on the sustainable sourcing code they have each signed up to."

The Independent alleged that Olympic merchandise which will be worn by British athletes and volunteers at the Games "is being manufactured for Adidas in sweatshop conditions in Indonesia".

Workers at nine Indonesian factories which have contracts to produce Olympic shoes and clothing for Adidas are allegedly working up to 65-hour weeks and earning as little as 34p an hour.

Neither Adidas nor Team GB could be reached for comment.