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Shein reveals child labour cases at suppliers

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Fast fashion giant, Shein, reports that it found two cases of child labour in their suppliers last year.

Fast fashion is already a hot topic of controversy, with it being a massive contributor to unnecessary trends and having immense climate impacts. The industry has the second-biggest consumer of water.

Concerns of fast fashion exceed its poor climate contribution, however. A complex yet massive question is whether fast fashion is ethical – both sustainability speaking and regarding humanitarian ethics.

Shein’s sustainability report comes after workers’ rights campaigners called for government to resist a probable listing of Shein on the London Stock Exchange. This was due to major distress over a lack of transparency about suppliers.

This has concerned the general public and trusted organisations alike, with the British Fashion Council (BFC) stating that the listing would be a ‘significant concern’ to the industry. This probes questions on whether Shein practices are ethical or riddled in dirty money.

Public Eye, a Swiss-based non-profit group, conducted an investigation which revealed that employees who produce clothes for Shein often worked more than 70 hours a week.

Such conditions are not just inhumane – they’re unbearable. While the average workweek in China is 44 hours, the gruelling demands placed on workers by Shein’s suppliers reveal an appalling and toxic culture of exploitation.

This goes beyond mere overwork; it’s a deeply dehumanising system that strips workers of their dignity.

This has further developed allegations of forced labour in the north-western region of China, creating grave concerns of abuse against the Uyghur people.

In response to the report, Shein told the BBC that it was ‘working hard’ to tackle concerns raised by Public Eye and has made ‘significant progress on enhancing conditions.’

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To what extent has Shein made progress?

Critics argue that temporarily suspending trade with suppliers falls short of addressing the deeper issues of poor working conditions.

This approach offers only a superficial, short-term fix. Instead, there’s a pressing need for robust regulatory intervention to rigorously evaluate and uplift the standards of facilities, workload, and workplace culture.

A more drastic approach could involve a complete overhaul of Shein’s operational ethos.

In a move first reported by The Times, Shein announced in October 2023 that it has tightened its supplier policies. Under the new rules, any instances of forced or child labour will lead to the immediate termination of contracts.

With this in mind, why have suppliers found to be involved in child labour cases only faced temporary suspensions instead of being permanently terminated?

Is this merely a bluff and or trickery to show a humanitarian side of Shein and maintain consumer support?

@moreperfectunion Just a reminder about SHEIN 👀 from a video we posted in 2022 #labormovement #labor #workersrights #shein ♬ original sound – More Perfect Union


Has Shein faced appropriate consequences?

Despite the UK often being swayed by US decisions, there has been no formal suspension or consequence from government. The retailer filed papers to float on the London Stock Exchange in June and secured support from the Labour party before the 2024 general election.

Some observers might view this as indicative of a broader political shift within Labour, suggesting the party is prioritising economic gains over addressing concerns about Shein’s controversial reputation.

As a result, Shein is yet to face an appropriate consequence in the UK.

Nonetheless, the e-commerce retailers plans to list in New York were foiled by US lawmakers, showing a consequence to the case, and empathy for the abused children.

If the US can deal with a firm hand, why is the UK government still remorseful to Shein?

Is this indicative of a new political and cultural shift to prioritise money over morals in the UK? It’s worrying but eye-opening.

Contributing Writer London, England

I’m Tanisha (She/Her). A British Bangladeshi from Dagenham, London.  I am a political activist who hopes to arouse greater social equity, reduce class barriers and better the standards of public education. I also have a big sweet tooth!

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