Olympic mascots made in sweatshops causes rage

London, Jan 23(ANI): A well-known chain of up market department stores John Lewis has pointed a finger at the organizers of the London Olympics over the sale of official Games mascots made in a Chinese sweatshop.

The organization's chiefs are agitated that they were told to buy the toys from a factory, which pays workers just 18 pence per item.

John Lewis is also the official 2012 Olympics department store and has always boasted about its fair treatment to their staff.

The firm has accused London organizing committee (LOCOG) for failing to keep the working conditions in proper check before manufacturing these toys.

Labour at the Yancheng Rainbow Arts and Crafts Company is strained to slave for up to 11 and half hours a day for just 26 pence an hour. The Mandeville and Wenlock mascots they make sell for up to 20 pound, the Sun revealed last week.

The factory breaks the code of conduct of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which is backed by John Lewis

The firm has launched an urgent inquiry into the matter.

"John Lewis takes very seriously the welfare of workers involved in making products we sell. We are extremely concerned by these allegations." LOCOG said: "We have asked our independent monitor to investigate," said a spokesman from the organization. (ANI)