It has been alleged that employees of the business had received pay that fell below the National Minimum Wage due to stringent security checks that take place at the end of a shift and for which they had not been paid.

As a result of this unpaid period the cumulative knock on effect is a salary underpayment. Salary levels have also been impinged upon by employees having their wages ‘docked’ if they arrive a minute late for their shift.

Under pressure and in the firing line of a Commons Select Committee, Mr Ashley has admitted that internal practices need to be reviewed and has vowed that things will change moving forward. It seems that only time will tell if Sports Direct can move forward and implement less controversial working practices and develop more harmonious employee relations.