Fast fashion giant Shein admits using child labour amid scrutiny over welfare standards
FAST fashion giant Shein has admitted using child labour in its supply chain in the past year, sparking more business model concerns.
The firm, which sells dresses for as little as £3.96, has rapidly become one of the world’s biggest online retailers.
But it has come under intense scrutiny over welfare standards, modern slavery concerns and how it monitors its 5,800 Chinese factory partners.
Shein’s own sustainability report yesterday revealed its audits found two cases of child labour in the first nine months of last year.
The firm said its policies at the time meant it gave those factories 30 days to “remediate their offences” and terminate contracts with underage employees and ensure they were reconnected with their parents.
However, those manufacturers were then permitted to resume.
It insisted a recent tightening of policies meant it would now “terminate any non-compliant suppliers”.
Shein, which made sales of £41billion last year, said it defines child labour as involving anyone under 15.
The firm still plans a £50billion London stock market listing after running into issues in the US.
US senator Marco Rubio has warned UK officials of Shein’s “deep ties to the People’s Republic of China”, and alleged use of “slave labour and sweat shops”.
Have a break
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