Live updates: Mike Ashley admits Sports Direct mistakes
Live reaction to Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley's appearance before MPs.
Live reaction to Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley's appearance before MPs.
Labour's Shadow Secretary of state for Business, Innovation and Skills, has said that Sports Direct's failure to pay minimum wage was 'shameful' and that there are 'systemic failings' in how the company handles employees.
Angela Eagle, who is also Labour's Shadow First Secretary of State, said:
It is shameful that such a large company has been exploiting workers by not paying them the minimum wage.
HMRC must investigate thoroughly and Sports Direct must compensate workers where they are found to have underpaid them.
It is also clear that there needs to be a major change in the culture and working practices at Sports Direct.
Mike Ashley’s admission that he cannot be responsible for everything that goes on in his company is deeply worrying.
Today’s Select Committee hearing has revealed a number of systematic failings in the employment practices at Sports Direct, and it is now vital that urgent steps are taken to address these.
Allegations of bad working conditions at Sports Direct's main warehouse are appalling - but Mike Ashley appeared to have little oversight.
The tycoon told MPs things had happened at the retail giant that "shouldn't happen" after conditions were likened to a "labour camp".
The billionaire is set to answer questions later this morning over working conditions at his Shirebrook warehouse.