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Ethical Labour Concerns Investigated at Fast Fashion E – tailer Shein

11-02-2025   


If you’ve been shopping for a fashion bargain online over the past five years you’ll definitely know about Shein, the Chinese fast fashion brand that ships a plethora of on-trend styles to 150 countries. Sustainability and ethics rarely go hand-in-hand with bargain basement prices, and today, 13th January 2025, the BBC has revealed their findings from an investigation on the so-called Shein village in Guangzhou.

The investigation highlights several critical aspects of Shein’s operational practices and the working conditions within its supply chain, particularly in Guangzhou. Here are some key takeaways based on the information:

  1. Long Working Hours: Workers in factories associated with Shein reportedly work around 75 hours a week, often with only one day off per month. This practice raises significant concerns about compliance with Chinese labour laws, which set limits on working hours and require adequate time off.
  2. Labour Conditions: While the factories are described as having sufficient light and some ventilation, the overall working conditions, including long hours and low wages, contribute to a challenging environment for workers. The pressure to meet production demands is palpable, with many workers feeling compelled to work additional hours to increase their earnings.
  3. Child Labour Concerns: Shein has previously acknowledged instances of child labour in its factories, which has led to increased scrutiny and calls for better oversight and compliance measures.
  4. Supply Chain Dynamics: The concentration of factories in what is referred to as “Shein village” illustrates the scale of Shein’s operations and the reliance on a vast network of suppliers. The rapid production cycle and low prices are central to Shein’s business model, which has enabled the company to outpace competitors in the fast fashion sector.
  5. Corporate Response: Shein has publicly stated its commitment to ensuring fair treatment of workers and has invested in compliance measures. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is still under question, particularly given the ongoing reports of labour exploitation.
  6. Broader Implications: The situation at Shein reflects broader issues within the fast fashion industry, including the tension between low prices for consumers and the ethical implications of labour practices in supply chains. The company’s rapid growth and the associated scrutiny from various stakeholders underscore the challenges of balancing profit with ethical labour concerns.
  7. Cultural and Economic Context: Some workers express a sense of pride in their contribution to Shein’s success and perceive the work as a means to improve their economic situation, illustrating the complex relationship between labour conditions and local economic realities.

This latest investigation emphasises the need for ongoing dialogue regarding labour rights, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness of the global fast fashion industry, not forgetting to mention the environmental impact in the long term. At FashionCapital we fully advocate supporting UK based manufacturing, such as Fashion-Enter Ltd, where garments are made to demand and the supply chain is fully transparent and ethically sound.




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