Spencer Hays is a very decent man, almost spiritual, says Jay Mazur, president of Unite, the big clothing workers union with about 3, 000 members working at Hays-owned companies.

FORBES: An American original

According to the South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union, in the last three years more than 18, 000 people have lost their jobs in the sector.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Retail union Usdaw is seeking talks with the owner of clothing chain Ethel Austin over fears it could go into administration for the fifth time.

BBC: Ethel Austin stores' future: Union Usdaw seeks talks