Victorian-themed protest outside Sports Direct over zero hour contracts

Campaigners dressed in Victorian clothing have protested against SportsDirect's use of zero hours contracts outside the company's Annual GeneralMeeting in Derbyshire.

Dozens of campaigners dressed in Dickensian style outfits and were part of a 150-strong crowd at their headquarters in Shirebrook.

The protests were led by Unite and called for an end to what they callVictorian working practices and demanded staff were paid a living wage of £7.85 an hour.

Tony Tinley, regional political officer for the union, said he felt it wasimportant to highlight the issue.

The protest at the company headquarters was one of 40 being held on Wednesday, with Sports Direct shops across the country also being targeted.

Unite said shareholders, including the Trade Union Share Owners group, were expected to raise the issue of working conditions to chairman Keith Hellawell at the AGM.

Unite regional officer Luke Primarolo said:

A Sports Direct spokeswoman said: