// Shein has admitted that working hours in its factory were “higher than local regulations permit”
// The retailer will upgrade hundreds of factories in its supply chain with £12m investment
Shein has admitted that working hour regulations were breached following an independent investigation into its factory working practices.
The company has also pledged to invest £12 million to “help upgrade hundreds of factories in its supply chain” after allegations emerged that garment manufacturers in two of its Chinese factories were working up to 18 hours a day and being paid as little as 3p per item.
The claims, made in Channel 4’s Untold documentary, also included that staff worked weekends and had only one day off per month.
Regarding working hours, Shein told PA that “while these are significantly less than claimed in the documentary, they are still higher than local regulations permit”.
The fast fashion giant has cut orders from the manufacturers in question by three-quarters and has given them a deadline of 31 December to address their working hours, or face possible further action.
Despite admitting that working hour rules had been breached, Shein said that independent audits carried out by experts at Intertek and TUVR show that it “can refute most of the allegations” made in the documentary.
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It insisted that factory workers receive wages “in accordance with local labour laws and regulations that are significantly higher” than the local minimum wage in Guangzhou.
It also said that claims that “factories withhold worker’s salaries or illegally deduct wages are also untrue”.
The retailer has faced much criticism since the documentary aired in October.
Last week, it emerged that the future of Shein’s newly-launched collaboration with The Rolling Stones is in jeopardy as the band demanded the merchandise be pulled following the allegations of poor working practices.
Shein has now vowed to invest £12 million to upgrade hundreds of factories across its supply chain. It will also double its spend on responsible sourcing to £3.3 million a year.
This will allow more spot checks and training to be carried out.
