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Sports Direct scraps zero hours contracts after barrage of criticism Sports Direct scraps zero hours contracts after barrage of criticism
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Sports Direct has said that it will offer casual retail staff guaranteed hours instead of zero-hours contracts and ensure all warehouse staff are paid above the National Minimum Wage following a review into working practices at the retailer. Sports Direct has said that it will offer casual retail staff guaranteed hours instead of zero-hours contracts and ensure all warehouse staff are paid above the National Minimum Wage following a review into working practices at the retailer. 
The sportswear chain has been criticised by politicians and unions for paying workers less than the minimum wage and implementing "Victorian workhouse" conditions at its warehouses. Shareholders have attacked the embattled firm for poor corporate governance. However, the change only applies to staff employed directly by Sports Direct. Ninety-four per cent of the 3,300 staff at its much-criticised Shirebrook warehouse are contracted through agencies and so will not benefit.
The company said on Tuesday it had distched its controversial "six strikes" disciplinary system, amid allegations of bullying, admitting that it "contributed at times to a hierarchical model that placed workers in an uncertain and difficult position." Sports Direct hired law firm RPC to review employee procedures and corporate governance after coming in for a raft of criticism from politicians and unions for paying workers less than the minimum wage and implementing "Victorian Workhouse conditions at its Shirebrook warehouse. Shareholders have attacked the embattled firm for poor corporate governance.
Sports Direct said it had ordered its legal advisers to further review its working practices and would engage with shareholders over its corporate governance after coming in for a raft of criticism this year. RPC's 88-page report highlights "serious shortcomings", in Sports Direct's treatment of staff.
Sports Direct said on Tuesday it had requested RPC, its legal advisers, to lead a further comprehensive review of working practices. The company said on Tuesday it had ditched its controversial "six strikes" disciplinary system, amid allegations of bullying, admitting that it "contributed at times to a hierarchical model that placed workers in an uncertain and difficult position." 
Employees told a Commons Select Committee in June that they had received strikes for spending too long in the lavatory or taking a break to drink water. Other employees said they had been sacked while off work sick. One woman gave birth in the ladies' toilet because she said she was too scared to take time off.
The retailer said it would now condict a "further comprehensive review”, of practices to assess whether additional improvements were required.
“The review will also include examining the Company's corporate governance, and as part of this process, the Board will engage with shareholders to obtain their views,” it said.“The review will also include examining the Company's corporate governance, and as part of this process, the Board will engage with shareholders to obtain their views,” it said.
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