UK Lawmakers Question Shein and Temu Over Labour Practices
UK lawmakers are set to question Shein and Temu about labor practices amid concerns over workers’ rights in their supply chains
Shein, Temu, UK, Labour Practices, Workers’ Rights, China, London
The Business and Trade Committee, which is made up of members from different political parties, is also bringing Temu into the mix. They’re looking into employment rights after kicking off an inquiry last October.
The committee is headed by Liam Byrne, a former Labour minister. They’re diving into the government’s employment rights bill, focusing on how to protect British workers and tackle issues like forced labor in imported goods.
Shein’s legal head for Europe, Yinan Zhu, has been summoned to testify. Temu’s senior legal counsel and compliance manager are also on the list.
Interestingly, both companies have been accused of having poor working conditions in their factories in China. Shein claims they’re all about respecting human rights and have a strict no-forced-labor policy. Temu says the same.
Shein started in China but now calls Singapore home. They’ve been expanding quickly in the U.S., Europe, and the UK, and are waiting for the green light for a London IPO.
Margaret Beels from the Department for Business and Trade and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, are also set to speak at the hearing. Even the CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland is on the list to give evidence.
It’s definitely a big deal, and everyone’s watching closely to see how this unfolds.