House of Fraser fears

The poor working and pay practices at Sports Direct should not be transferred to the House of Fraser now that Mike Ashley’s company has acquired the troubled High Street chain, Unite said today (August 10).

Sports Direct has agreed today to buy the House of Fraser department stores for ÂŁ90m.

“Sports Direct is a leopard that has not changed its spots and we hope that its poor record on pay and employment practices are not transferred to the House of Fraser,” said Unite regional officer with responsibility for Sports Direct Scott Lennon.

“Sports Direct’s record at the Shirebrook warehouse operation in the East Midlands has been dreadful and, despite the recent terrible publicity, wages remain at the minimum legally payable, and the terms and employment conditions are threadbare,” he added.

“The company does not want to engage in any meaningful sense with Unite at Shirebrook and this obviously sparks concern at the fate that awaits the House of Fraser staff under the new ownership.

“We fear for jobs and employment conditions at the House of Fraser going forward. The staff are entering a period of great uncertainty and worry.

“Ministers need to wake up to what is happening to hard working employees who have minimal employment protections in 2018 Britain.”