TUC: Sports Direct still needs an independent review

7 Sep 2016 12:31 PM

Commenting on a report into Sports Direct’s employment practices by its law firm published yesterday (Tuesday), TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“An apology is always a good start, but this is too little, too late. What we really need is an independent investigation, as called for by the trade union resolution at tomorrow’s Sports Direct AGM.

“A report written by a law firm which previously represented Mike Ashley and management simply won’t cut it. Sports Direct cannot be allowed to mark their own homework. 

“Cases like this show why the government must act to end the abuse of zero-hours contracts, and get serious on enforcing employment rights.

“This story is a testament to the tireless work of Unite the union, which has played a key role in revealing abuses at the company.

“I urge shareholders to support the Trade Union Share Owners’ resolution 19 for an independent investigation into employment practices.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS: 

• The Trade Union Share Owners group, of which the TUC is a member, is calling on Sports Direct shareholders to support resolution 19 at the AGM, which commissions an independent review of Sports Direct International plc’s human capital management strategy.
• The Trade Union Share Owners (TUSO) group is a group of investors representing the financial assets of the labour movement, including the TUC staff pension fund, the Unite staff pension fund, the UNISON staff pension fund, and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. 
• The resolution has been filed by investors including the TUC and UNISON staff pension funds, both members of TUSO, and the Borough of Islington Staff Pension Fund and Prospect general fund.
• All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
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