Sports Direct, the "scar on British business”

[Meade's Ball]

I recall working many years ago for a warehouse full of gear to send to schools, and on one summers day they decided to carry out a search on all employees as they left. Now, fortunately for me, I'd positioned the cricket ball I thought I would pilfer as a gift for my friend right there in the gusset of my undies. I did feel it loosening at times as I covertly clenched the sewn leathery ball betwixt my dampened with anxiety thighs during my departing waddle, but got through the generally upper body rummage made by one of my Sri Lankan bosses and away I went, cycling for a mile or so before dismounting and letting the thieved item loose. I didn't for a few months tell my friend, the recipient of the probably now cursed present, this anecdote, but I had given the ball a wipedown before handing it to him.
Anywho, that's not a sign of the badness of Sports Direct, who sound like a nefarious bunch of cuntbags. But I suppose it is a lesson for all youngsters thinking of stealing bits and bobs from their employers to always have a good place to hide it.

 

[Machiavelli]

Zero hour contracts should be illegal. They've been abused so much by unscrupulous employers that I don't think I'd trust ANY employer using them and as for all the other humiliating and bullying actions by Sports Direct and their outsourcers, this is the reason why there should be union representation in the workplace.

It's that One Nation bit to the fore, again.

 

[beorhthelm]

im not shocked, only because this is the 3rd or 4th time its been "exposed". not sure why someone isnt taking them up on it, because for the fear of losing ones job there seems to be an amount of flagrant laws braking.

Zero hour contracts should be illegal.

but its nothing to do with the zero hours contract, poor work practice can occur under any hours, part or full time. and iirc some of the abuses highlight by of zero hours have been made illegal in the past year or two.

 

[LlcoolJ]

People should boycott them but as mentioned, most of the people who shop there wont know / care about this issue or the fact that Ashley is a total c**t.

I've never bought anything from Sports Direct so my boycott isn't going to have much of an effect unfortunately. At least he's getting hit where it hurts, in the share price.

 

[Deleted member 22389]

For those on a budget like myself I need to shop at the cheapest, this place being one of them.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

For those on a budget like myself I need to shop at the cheapest, this place being one of them.

Can't you go to Primark?

 

[glasfryn]

who in fqcks name would want to steal any of their goods ?

EDIT
I have just remembered in the summer I saw 6 german students coming out of the store in the Arndale laughing and joking.
10 minutes later I saw the same studends walking around with Arsenal shirts on.
and at the same time running and swerving the same store, ................................................now call me suspicious if you like but that adds up to £120 in one hit

 

[vegster]

Zero hour contracts should be illegal. They've been abused so much by unscrupulous employers that I don't think I'd trust ANY employer using them and as for all the other humiliating and bullying actions by Sports Direct and their outsourcers, this is the reason why there should be union representation in the workplace.

I'm afraid this is looking ever less likely. The gradual erosion of Union rights and increasingly tough legislation regarding what actions a Union can take means they are ever more toothless and an irrelevance in modern society. We have allowed ourselves to submit to the belief that we must all work harder to stand still financially and that a job, any job is a "blessing " ... I'm earning less now than I did 7 years ago due to "restructuring " and having to take a cut in wages to, as David Cameron loves to remind us, " Work hard and Get On "

My company on one hand expects a 10% increase minimum year on year but on the other does not even have annual wage reviews written in to contracts of employment. Union representation is I believe, nil in my company and its the great unsaid that anyone wanting to join a Union or bringing the subject up will be quickly isolated and probably sacked.

Sports Direct are ultimately the model of what will arise in the absence of a fair society, but, I am sure they are not alone, I believe Amazon do not cover themselves with glory either. I fear we are stuck with it.

 

[Braggfan]

Disgusting company. Unfortunately things will only get worse for them, and things like this could become more common place once the government's trade union bill goes through. Still time to fight it.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Disgusting company. Unfortunately things will only get worse for them, and things like this could become more common place once the government's trade union bill goes through. Still time to fight it.

It would be interesting to see one of the general unions rock up at Sports Direct and try and sign people up. In fact why haven't they tried to do this already?

 

[JC Footy Genius]

Can't you go to Primark?

Impressed we have so many ethical shoppers on NSC. I'm sure most people wear clothing that was produced in some distant sweatshop even if they don't realise it (or really care?).

This isn't an excuse for not condemning Sports Direct on poor working conditions but they seem to be a cause celeb for numerous reasons. There is a reason why many items of clothing are so cheap.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/28/india-sweated-labour

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Impressed we have so many ethical shoppers on NSC. I'm sure most people wear clothing that was produced in some distant sweatshop even if they don't realise it (or really care?).

This isn't an excuse for not condemning Sports Direct on poor working conditions but they seem to be a cause celeb for numerous reasons. There is a reason why many items of clothing are so cheap.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/28/india-sweated-labour

I agree. My Primark comment was a little tongue in cheek. I personally do try and buy stuff which hasn't been produced in a hell hole of a factory somewhere. I'm not perfect though, but I try.

 

[Biscuit Barrel]

How can people be made to work like this in 2015 in the UK? It's abuse.

They are not made to work like this. They would be presented with a job offer and working conditions and they accepted them. I am not condoning the working conditions, just pointing out that they are not forced to do it.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

How can people be made to work like this in 2015 in the UK? It's abuse.

As a clue, practically every worker in the main Brighton store is a young Spanish person. Just need to look at the stats for Spanish youth unemployment and I think you have your answer. Would be very surprised if they weren't directly targeted on the basis of any job is better than no hope of a job. Which is no doubt the argument that Ashley would put up. Don't make it right though.

 

[GoingUp]

They let Ricky Burns have time off work whilst he fought for World Titles!

 

[Eeyore]

It would be interesting to see one of the general unions rock up at Sports Direct and try and sign people up. In fact why haven't they tried to do this already?

People are fearful of reprisals. When we came together at a workplace of mine to try and halt illegal and unfair practices it was all cloak and dagger at first.

It worked in the end. The company was forced to clean up its act and had to back down on a number of things thereafter.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

They are not made to work like this. They would be presented with a job offer and working conditions and they accepted them. I am not condoning the working conditions, just pointing out that they are not forced to do it.

:rollseyes:

 

[Biscuit Barrel]

:rollseyes:

:Moving my right hand up and down:

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

:Moving my right hand up and down:

 

[narly101]

I'm sure most people will start to moan when they put their prices up to ensure better working conditions.