Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley pressured over factory worker’s safety

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Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley pressured by MPs over factory worker’s safety

By Daily Mail City & Finance Reporter

Published: | Updated:

Sports Direct has been pressured by MPs to explain what it is doing to protect its workers from coronavirus. 

Mike Ashley, boss of parent firm Frasers Group, sparked anger when he tried to argue that his stores were ‘essential’ and should stay open through the coronavirus lockdown. 

Ashley U-turned after the Government intervened and closed stores – but factory workers said they were scared. 

U-turn: Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley sparked anger when he tried to argue that his stores were ‘essential’ and should stay open through the coronavirus lockdown

Leonnie Foster, 18, from Worksop in Nottinghamshire, said: ‘I feel massively at risk and I feel like my health, life and family are undervalued. 

The factory needs to shut.’ Parliament’s business committee has demanded Ashley explain measures taken to protect workers, and confirm whether employees who are temporarily laid off will be paid. 

To tame the backlash, Frasers Group said the NHS can use its fleet of lorries to deliver supplies. 

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove yesterday told Frasers finance chief Chris Wootton the group’s Evans Cycle shops could stay open but Sports Direct must close. 

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