Fast-fashion giant Shein and online marketplace Temu will face scrutiny over labour practices at a UK parliamentary hearing on 7 January 2025. The inquiry, led by the cross-party Business and Trade Committee, will focus on supply chain labour rights and protections against the import of poor labour standards, including concerns over forced labour.
Shein, founded in China in 2008 and now headquartered in Singapore, has been called to testify as it awaits regulatory approval for a London IPO. Yinan Zhu, Shein’s general counsel for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), will represent the company. Temu, owned by Chinese e-commerce firm PDD Holdings, will also participate, with senior legal counsel Stephen Heary and senior compliance manager Leonard Klenner expected to give evidence.
The inquiry aligns with the committee’s broader examination of the UK government’s flagship employment rights bill and its implications for British workers. Chaired by former Labour Minister Liam Byrne, the committee is addressing how to ensure supply chain transparency and compliance with labour standards.
Shein and Temu, both known for their low-cost offerings, have faced allegations of poor working conditions and forced labour in their supply chains. Shein has previously stated its commitment to human rights and a zero-tolerance policy on forced labour, while Temu asserts it strictly prohibits such practices.
Also appearing at the hearing will be Margaret Beels, director of labour market enforcement at the Department for Business and Trade, and Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons, who raised concerns last year about Shein’s London IPO. Other witnesses include McDonald’s UK and Ireland CEO Alistair Macrow and Claire Lorains, quality technical and sustainability director at Tesco.
