RPC has slammed its client Sports Direct in a report heavily criticising working conditions at the retailer’s warehouses.
The report, commissioned by Sports Direct and authored by the law firm, was published in response to allegations that the business had mistreated its staff through the use of zero hour contracts and had breached national minimum wage regulations.
MPs raised the allegations when Sports Direct owner and billionaire Mike Ashley appeared before the Business, Innovation and Skill (BIS) Committee in June.
In the report RPC identified “serious shortcomings” in the working conditions at the retailer, which had been criticised for mistreating its staff through the use of zero hour contracts.
The criticism bucked the trend of recent law firm independent reports into their clients, which have been branded a “whitewash” on a number of occasions.
Sports Direct had been found to be in breach of minimum wage laws due to its time-keeping software.
Sports Direct employees were also subjected to a “six strikes and you’re out” policy. Potential strikes included being absent from work with a sick note and taking toilet breaks.
RPC has requested that the six strike policy is suspended with immediate effect.
Sports Direct is a longstanding client of RPC. In 2013 the firm advised Sports Direct on its acquisition of troubled fashion retailer Republic from administrators EY.
The deal saw Sports Direct acquire 114 Republic stores and the majority of its stock. Corporate partner Karen Hendy led RPC’s team during the deal.
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