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Coronavirus: Mike Ashley 'deeply apologetic' for blunders | Coronavirus: Mike Ashley 'deeply apologetic' for blunders |
(32 minutes later) | |
Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has said he is "deeply apologetic" for a series of blunders in the way his chain has reacted to the coronavirus lockdown. | Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has said he is "deeply apologetic" for a series of blunders in the way his chain has reacted to the coronavirus lockdown. |
The retailer lobbied the government to keep his shops open, arguing they were an "essential service", but backed down after a backlash from staff and media. | The retailer lobbied the government to keep his shops open, arguing they were an "essential service", but backed down after a backlash from staff and media. |
Mr Ashley admitted his request was "ill judged and poorly timed" and said he would "learn from his mistakes". | Mr Ashley admitted his request was "ill judged and poorly timed" and said he would "learn from his mistakes". |
The retail tycoon also offered to lend the NHS his delivery trucks. | The retail tycoon also offered to lend the NHS his delivery trucks. |
In an open letter, Mr Ashley also admitted the firm's communications to staff and the public were "poor". | In an open letter, Mr Ashley also admitted the firm's communications to staff and the public were "poor". |
"I am deeply apologetic about the misunderstandings of the last few days. We will learn from this and will try not to make the same mistakes in the future," he said. | "I am deeply apologetic about the misunderstandings of the last few days. We will learn from this and will try not to make the same mistakes in the future," he said. |
Sports Direct had argued that it provided an essential service. Bosses at the company said the sports equipment it sells can be used to exercise at home at a time when gyms have been closed. | Sports Direct had argued that it provided an essential service. Bosses at the company said the sports equipment it sells can be used to exercise at home at a time when gyms have been closed. |
The chain's initial plan to stay open drew a widespread backlash on social media. | The chain's initial plan to stay open drew a widespread backlash on social media. |
Ian Lavery MP, chair of the Labour Party, told the company's founder and chief executive Mike Ashley to "take some responsibility". | Ian Lavery MP, chair of the Labour Party, told the company's founder and chief executive Mike Ashley to "take some responsibility". |
Exactly what qualifies as an "essential business" has caused confusion in some quarters. | Exactly what qualifies as an "essential business" has caused confusion in some quarters. |
Many firms "do not know whether to stay open or to close", the director general of the CBI business organisation Carolyn Fairbairn has said. | Many firms "do not know whether to stay open or to close", the director general of the CBI business organisation Carolyn Fairbairn has said. |
Sports Direct also owns Evans Cycles, which is regarded as an essential retailer. But it has currently closed all those stores too, pending review. | |
Businesses that are allowed to stay open under the strict new guidelines include: | Businesses that are allowed to stay open under the strict new guidelines include: |
Several other firms came under fire this week after saying that some of their stores would stay open. | Several other firms came under fire this week after saying that some of their stores would stay open. |
The Halfords bicycle and auto repair chain drew criticism after saying it would keep some stores open after being named by the government as an "essential provider of services”. | The Halfords bicycle and auto repair chain drew criticism after saying it would keep some stores open after being named by the government as an "essential provider of services”. |
Meanwhile, housebuilder Redrow has said it would suspend work on all sites after construction workers cited fears for their safety. | Meanwhile, housebuilder Redrow has said it would suspend work on all sites after construction workers cited fears for their safety. |