Response from adidas

"Since the establishment of our programme a decade ago we have provided workers with the contact numbers of our field monitors and a confidential channel to lodge complaints about factory non-compliances, including infringement of FOA rights.

"All approved suppliers are required to post open letters from the adidas Group to workers providing a hotline number to the Social & Environmental team. In some cases these hotlines are manned by independent NGOs, as is the case in China. In other countries, such as Bangladesh we are partnered with local NGOs to independently report on worker concerns.

"Following the receipt of a worker complaint, SEA investigates the issues reported by interviewing workers and management, and by reviewing pertinent documents. The SEA team then identifies the subsequent training, consultation and monitoring required. Depending on the findings, we involve liaison office staff, quality staff, other brands, NGOs, and local Government in the resolution of problems within the work place."