TikTok says it is investigating comments allegedly made by a senior executive disregarding the concept of maternity leave, amid reports that she is withdrawing from her role.
Joshua Ma, head of the company’s e-commerce division in Europe, told staff that as a “capitalist”, he “did not believe” that companies should offer maternity leave, according to a report in the Financial Times on Wednesday. .
In a statement, a TikTok spokesman said: “We are investigating alleged statements and actions to determine whether there has been a breach of the company’s policies.”
According to the FT, Ma “will take some free time” and “take a step back” from her current role based in the UK.
Ma’s comments were reported in the context of the company’s interrupted launch of the company’s TikTok Shop service, which arrived in the UK in October. The feature, which allows TikTok creators to host a QVC-style live shopping experience, is part of a successful offering to TikTok’s Chinese sister app, Douyin.
But while users of Douyin, as well as users of TikTok Shop in the various Asian markets where it was first launched, jumped into service, in the UK it has struggled to gain strength. TikTok regularly subsidizes hosts and brands, which allows for deep sales discounts, but has failed to reach a regular audience.
Worse, those sales with prices that are too good to be true are reduced by other items whose prices are really too good to be true: the platform is struggling with a counterfeiting problem, and users aren’t sure if a hair dryer Dyson hair worth £ 450 is. selling for £ 14 due to a grant or scam.
Sign up for your Daily Business Today email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDesk
“We are constantly learning, iterating and improving our service, which includes exploring a variety of product options, prices, categories and markets,” TikTok said. “We are guided by our community, creators and marketers in terms of what they are looking for on the platform and we are working to improve our service accordingly.”
The difficulties have led to an exodus of personnel from the UK operation, with half of the 40-member team resigning in the eight months since the launch of the service.
“The TikTok store has only been operating in the UK for a few months now and we are rapidly investing in expanding resources, structures and processes to support a positive employee experience,” the company said.
“Examples include a holistic incorporation program for new carpenters; periodic surveys of employees to request and act directly on feedback; and dedicated training, mentoring, and recognition programs to support and celebrate professional development and achievement. “