The world's attention is focused on London, as countries prepare to compete together in the 2012 Olympics. But across the globe millions of workers are also engaged in production of Olympic kit and souvenirs, many of whom are being exploited.

Research from the international campaign Playfair 2008 found workers in China employed by Adidas suppliers facing 80-hour weeks stitching footballs. Other workers making sports shoes, costing up to £50 a pair, were earning as little as £20 per month, well below a living wage. Adidas is one of London 2012’s main sponsors and licensees. In another factory producing official stationery, children as young as 12 years old were being forced to work 15 hours a day.

The Playfair 2012 Campaign is calling on London games organisers and sportswear brands adidas, Nike and Pentland to end this exploitation. These organisations must act to ensure that workers receive a living wage, are freely able to join a trade union have the benefit of job security.

Lots of resources are available as part of this campaign, such as educational packs, an online game, and campaign materials. See www.playfair2012.org for more. Labour Behind the Label are coordinating this campaign in partnership with the TUC.