The Primark chain has launched an investigation over allegations that one of its suppliers may have broken employment and immigration laws.

Yesterday the discount retailer, which trades in the republic as Penney’s, began a probe after allegations made by the Observer newspaper and the BBC.

The investigation by the media found Manchester-based garment firm TNS Knitwear may have acted illegally. Allegations centred on the fact that illegal Pakistani, Afghan and Indian immigrants were being paid just £3 an hour for working 12-hour days, seven days a week.

“Primark has handed all relevant information passed to the company over to the relevant enforcement agencies so they may take action,” a company spokesman said.