FAST fashion giant Shein has admitted using child labour in its supply chain in the past year, sparking more business model concerns.
The firm, which sells dresses for as little as £3.96, has rapidly become one of the world’s biggest online retailers.
But it has come under intense scrutiny over welfare standards, modern slavery concerns and how it monitors its 5,800 Chinese factory partners.
Shein’s own sustainability report yesterday revealed its audits found two cases of child labour in the first nine months of last year.
The firm said its policies at the time meant it gave those factories 30 days to “remediate their offences” and terminate contracts with underage employees and ensure they were reconnected with their parents.
However, those manufacturers were then permitted to resume.
It insisted a recent tightening of policies meant it would now “terminate any non-compliant suppliers”.
Shein, which made sales of £41billion last year, said it defines child labour as involving anyone under 15.
The firm still plans a £50billion London stock market listing after running into issues in the US.
US senator Marco Rubio has warned UK officials of Shein’s “deep ties to the People’s Republic of China”, and alleged use of “slave labour and sweat shops”.
KITKAT maker Nestle has fired boss Mark Schneider, reports say.
The food and drink conglomerate announced the chief — who had led the business for eight years — had “decided to relinquish his roles”.
Reuters said he is being replaced by company veteran Laurent Freixe following underperformance.
BILLIONAIRE Mike Ashley has appointed his 27-year-old daughter Matilda as a director.
She takes on the role at Mash Holdings, which controls his 73 per cent stake in Frasers Group.
Matilda, the youngest of his three children, is in a relationship with Frasers’ COO David Al-Mudallal, 31.
