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Sports Direct staff suffered grim working conditions

By Don-Alvin Adegeest

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Retail

New insights into near abominable staff working conditions at Sports Direct, one of Europe's largest retailers, has led to founder Mike Ashley facing renewed accountability for the company's failings.

As the retail giant was being investigated over staff being remunerated below minimum wage, a legion of other stories have lead to one MP labeling Sport Direct's working practices as comparable to those of a 'Victorian Workhouse.'

Staff were given a 'six strikes and you're out' ultimatum. A dismissal policy that lends itself to a stressful working environment at best. The company also had a policy of deducting 15 minutes of pay for clocking in one minute late on arrival, or on return from a break. One woman allegedly gave birth in the Sports Direct warehouse toilet, fearing losing her job if she called in sick.

In a report by HMRC, committee chairman Iain Wright stated: "It's seems incredible that Mike Ashley, who visits the warehouse at least once a week, was unaware of these appalling practices. This suggests Mr Ashley was turning a blind eye to conditions at Sports Direct in the interests of maximising profits, or that there are serious corporate governance failings which left him out of the loop in spite of all the evidence."

HMRC is continuing its investigation as Mr Ashley gave evidence to MPs following a Guardian report last year that workers at the warehouse had been subjected to rigorous searches and surveillance, leading to staff receiving less than the minimum wage.

According to the BBC, a letter sent to MPs on 12 July, Mr Ashley said work had begun on a review into working practices and a written update would be ready in 90 days.

Photo credit: Sports Direct, Facebook

HMRC
Mike Ashley
Sports Direct