FAIR Trade. In Worcester, this generally means giving Third World producers a better deal on products such as tea, coffee and chocolate.

But globally, the problem goes far deeper, especially in the glamorous world of sport.

In today's status symbol society, manufacturers are sinking to even lower depths to secure their place in the bubble of consumerism, exploiting millions of workers worldwide.

According to Oxfam, leading sportswear manufacturers are cashing in on sweatshop labour, a burning issue the organisation is keen to expose in the run-up to this year's Olympics, the epitome of so-called fair play.

Image and branding are now almost as important as winning titles, but how often do we question the hidden costs of high performance and high fashion sportswear?

According to a new report by Oxfam, Global Trade Unions and the Clean Clothes Campaign, factories of "worker bees", mostly women, are currently slogging away at break-neck speed to make sportswear for stars, competing athletes and fans.

Feedback for campaign Play Fair at the Olympics revealed workers are putting in excessively long working hours and forced overtime, with lack of job and wage security, poverty wages, no unions, poor health, exhaustion, mental stress and dysfunctional family life.

The reality is a far cry from those guaranteed workers' rights stipulated by law or the ethical commitments on labour standards proclaimed by many big global sports brands.

To root out exploitation in seven countries, Oxfam interviewed a number of workers, including Phan, aged 22, who sews sportswear for one sportswear manufacturer at a garment factory in Thailand.

"We have to do overtime everyday, starting from 5.30pm and work until 2am or 3am during the peak season. We always have to work a double shift. Although we are very exhausted, we have no choice. We cannot refuse overtime work as our standard wages are so low. Sometimes we want to rest but our employer forces us to work."

The pressure and appalling conditions also put horrific stress on the workers and deprive them of the smallest and most essential needs.

Jamal, a worker in an Indonesian factory producing for another sportswear manufacturer, said supervisors used stopwatches to time tasks.

"Many workers are getting sick because they have to stop themselves from going to the toilets because the targets are so high they would not meet them if they took this break."

When export deadlines loom, hours lengthen and family lives suffer enormously.

An Indonesian worker from a factory making goods for two more sportswear manufacturers and the Olympics reported that many rarely saw their children.

"It's not easy for workers to refuse to work, they need the money that overtime provides but also the factories need the workers to fulfil the orders and avoid the fines imposed for late delivery," said Oxfam spokesman, Karen Mahy.

The wages are low, often below those set by national legislation, but the choice is low wages or no wages.

Then there's the abuse, harassment and intimidation rife in overseas factories.

Elina, a garment worker in an Indonesian factory making goods for an Italian sportswear manufacturer, said they were regularly verbally abused.

"The management calls us names throughout the time when we work. They call us 'stupid, 'lazy', 'useless', 'bastard's child' and other crass words," she said.

"They say, 'You don't deserve any more than this'. Some girls start crying. Physical abuse happens too. Our ears are often pulled and managers yell directly into our ears."

At another Indonesian factory producing for leading sportswear manufacturers, workers reported even more sinister behaviour.

"Male managers come onto the girls, call them into their offices, whisper into their ears, touch them at the waist, arms, neck, buttocks and breasts, bribe the girls with money and threats of losing their jobs to have sex with them," one said.

Play Fair at the Olympics aims to ensure sportswear companies respect labour rights by changing their sourcing strategies and see labour standards as important as price, time and quality.

Brands are also being urged to inform the public about the working conditions in which the products they market are made.

Meanwhile, governments are being lobbied to ensure legislation is enacted, implemented and enforced, with the International Olympic Committee and the Olympics Movement making a serious commitment towards ensuring respect for workers' rights.

Win your very own mobile pub!

TO be sure, the search is on for the most patriotic punter of Worcester's O'Neill's who will be awarded for their loyalty with their very own mobile pub.

To celebrate St Patrick's Day next Wednesday, one Guinness god has the chance to enjoy the craic of a great Irish night out without leaving the house, or at least their back garden.

"We'll supply the beer, the bar and of course some friendly bar-staff," said manager at the St Nicholas Street pub, Jim Anderson.

"All our biggest fan needs to do is bring themselves and a selection of their best friends."

To enter the competition, call in to the pub and complete a questionnaire or call the Win-a-pub hotline on 0121 362 4070.