As Shein hopes to go public on the London Stock Exchange, a British Parliament committee wants to question the Chinese company about the rights of workers in its supply chain. This was reported by Reuters news agency on January 2, adding that the cross-party Committee on Economic Affairs and Trade would also question the Chinese marketplace Temu.
Shein’s general counsel before British committee
On January 7, Yinan Zhu, Shein’s general counsel for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), will face questions from the British committee chaired by former Labor minister Liam Byrne. The hearing is part of the government’s Workers’ Rights Act and is intended to ensure adequate protection against the importation of poor labor standards.
Founded in 2008, Shein is now enjoying great success with GenZ, although its ultra-fast fashion model runs counter to responsible consumption, which is necessary in the face of the climate crisis. Fashion experts also criticize the lack of transparency in the supply chain.
Aware of these shortcomings, Shein announced in December the creation of two new advisory boards composed of international executives and experts: Shein’s external ESG (Environmental Social Governance) Advisory Board (EEAB) and regional strategic and corporate responsibility committees, the Shein’s to advise management.
According to a press release, the first panel is intended to “provide advice on emerging trends, risks and opportunities related to ESG,” while the committees are intended to “ensure that Shein’s operations and expansion in the countries in which the company operates make a positive contribution to the economic and social fabric of the country”. As part of this second committee, Christophe Castaner, former French Minister of the Interior, is working with Shein as a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) advisor.
This translated article previously appeared on FashionUnited.fr.