A revealing report on the working conditions in the Chinese factories that supply the online retail giant Sheinthe BBC presents.

According to research by the Swiss rights group Public Eye, workers are subjected to excessive Overtime – are required to work at least 75 hours per week.

Survey respondents, aged between 23 and 60, said they worked on average 12 hours a day – for six or even seven days a week – without breaks for food, for 308 euros per month

“I work every day from 8 in the morning to 10.30 in the evening and I get one day off every month. I can’t afford any more days off because it costs too much,” a sewing machine worker of 20 years told Public Eye.

The first time the Swiss team highlighted the problem was with research in 2021.

However, according to the latest statements by the employees, nothing has changed, despite the giant’s initial promises.

The workers also claimed that their wages had hardly changed since the first survey.

According to Public Eye, Mr minimum wage for workers – after deducting overtime pay – it is 2,400 yuan (£265 – €308).

With grueling overtime, the salary is between 6,000 and 10,000 yuan per month (£663 – €771 to £1,104 – €1,200 per month).

Shein’s response

Commenting on Public Eye’s latest report, the company responded by saying long working hours are a “common challenge that brands, manufacturers and others must work together to address”.

He even added that this is not only seen at Shein, but the company is “committed to acting to improve the situation in our own supply chain”.