Company says it complies with rules
Sports Direct chairman says zero hours attacks ‘unfounded’
Sports Direct chairman Keith Hellawell has hit back at criticism of the company’s use of zero hours contracts in its stores.
In its annual results statement today, Mr Hellawell said: “Much of the comment regarding the group’s use of zero hour contracts has been unfounded and inaccurate.
“We comply fully with all legal requirements which relate to casual workers, including sick pay, holiday pay, and freedom to gain other employment. Casual workers also participate in general incentive schemes.”
On trading, he said: “The group has delivered another solid set of results in spite of challenging trading conditions including the adverse impact on performance during the period of England’s early departure from the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and unseasonably mild weather during Autumn, reducing footfall.”
Group underlying EBITDA increased by 15.7% to £383.2 million and underlying profit before tax rose 20.5% to £300.3m.
