British lawmakers have called fast-fashion retailer Shein and online marketplace Temu to attend a parliamentary hearing on 7 January, as concerns mount over labour practices in their supply chains.

The Business and Trade Committee, led by former labour minister Liam Byrne, will question representatives from both companies as part of an inquiry examining the government's employment rights bill and measures to prevent the import of goods produced under poor labour conditions.

Shein, which is pursuing a London stock market listing, will be represented by Yinan Zhu, their general counsel for Europe, Middle East and Africa. From Temu, senior legal counsel Stephen Heary and senior compliance manager Leonard Klenner have been summoned to give evidence.

Both platforms, known for selling clothing and accessories at extremely low prices, have faced allegations regarding working conditions in Chinese factories and concerns over forced labour within their supply chains. Shein has previously stated it maintains "a zero-tolerance policy on forced labour," while Temu has indicated it strictly prohibits such practices.

The hearing will also feature testimony from Margaret Beels, director of labour market enforcement at the Department for Business and Trade, and Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons. Notably, Lyons raised concerns about Shein's proposed London initial public offering last year.

The scrutiny comes as Shein attempts to enhance its corporate responsibility credentials. In December, the company established two advisory bodies: an External Environmental Social Governance Advisory Board and regional strategic committees, aimed at providing guidance on environmental and social governance matters.

Major British retailers will also participate in the hearing, with Tesco's quality technical and sustainability director Claire Lorains and McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive officer Alistair Macrow both called to provide oral evidence.

Shein, founded in China in 2008 but now headquartered in Singapore, has experienced rapid growth in Western markets including the United States, Europe, and Britain. The company is currently awaiting regulatory approval from British and Chinese authorities for its London listing, having filed papers with Britain's market regulator in early June.

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