ROMANIAN staff manning a cosmetics stand within a Newry store have reportedly been paid just £13 a day.
In the light of the claims, Debenhams has vowed to investigate the alleged pay disparity.
According to one worker at The Quays store, concession owner Danbar International promised a take-home pay of £650 to £2500 a month.
But when they took up the offer to move to Co Down, the reality was less attractive.
“In the 10 weeks I’ve been here I earned on average just £80 for a six-day week,” the woman said.
Danbar International distributes the Dead Sea products and Ever Since beauty range.
On its website, details of the job promises support with accommodation, opportunities for promotion and a 50 per cent refund for travelling to Northern Ireland after one month’s work.
It also states: “On your arrival, a representation of the company will wait for you and will take you to your new flat.”
However, staff claim hefty accommodation costs were deducted from pay and that left no money for food.
But upon hearing about the situation, co-workers rallied around to donate food and money to the Romanians living in Newry and Mourne. One member of sales staff at a neighbouring cosmetic counter told the Democrat: “They work just as hard as we do and we were shocked when we found out how much they were paid.
“It’s really not fair in this day and age. I’m sure they came over here thinking they would have a better life but they’re being treated like slaves.
“We gathered together some food and stuff to tide them over, we felt it was the right thing to do.”
A Debenhams spokesman confirmed a full investigation is underway.
“We take this alleged plight of these concession workers very, very seriously and are investigating the matter further,” he said.