Owner Mike Ashley ready to "defend the good name" of Sports Direct to MPs

Mike Ashley, Sports Direct’s executive deputy chairman, is set to give evidence to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee at 11am today.

The Newcastle United owner, who has been avoiding an appearance in front of MPs since March, will attend the Business, lnnovation and Skills Select Committee in regards to working practices at Sports Direct.

During the session, Mr Ashley will answer questions in line with Sports Direct’s previously announced statements in relation to employment practices, and provide evidence on the progress of the Board’s Review of agency worker terms and conditions at its National Distribution Centre in Shirebrook, which was announced on 18 December 2015.

Mr Ashley commented: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of the people at Sports Direct for their hard work, commitment and amazing achievements over the years.

“I and the Board are proud of our people and what we stand for, and I know that we can move onwards and upwards for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.”

Sport Direct’s Shirebook site has been heavily criticized in regards to the employee’s working conditions and staff working on zero-hour contracts.

In a letter to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee chairman Iain Wright , Mr Ashley said: “I am mindful of your statement to the press on Friday in which you question whether or not Sports Direct has anything to hide.

“I can assure you that nothing is further from the truth. I believe my repeated invitations for you to attend Shirebrook are a clear demonstration that in fact we have nothing to hide. I was merely seeking to avoid an unnecessary media circus.

“However, after much reflection over the last 48 hours, I have concluded that a lengthy legal battle would be of no benefit to either of us.

“It would also no doubt lead to further unwarranted accusations that I am being secretive, whereas in fact I have been open and honest at every stage of this process. I have therefore reconsidered my position and I am writing to confirm that I will now be attending Parliament on Tuesday in order to defend the good name of Sports Direct on behalf of all of the great people who work here.”

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