Sports Direct has twice the average number of injuries - letter to shareholders

Sports Direct sees nearly twice times the number of injuries compared to the rest of the sector, according to a letter published today (Tuesday) advocating a shareholders vote in favour of an independent review on how workers are treated.

Staff in the retail, office and distribution section of the company face 2.7 injuries per 100,000 hours worked – nearly twice as many as the average for the sector (1.4 per 100,000 hours). 

Sports Direct’s warehouse staff face an even higher rate, with 6.6 injuries per 100,000 hours worked. This is nearly three times the rate of injuries in agriculture, one of the least-safe sectors for workers.

Salaried staff at the company also have a much higher turnover rate than normal. 22% of its staff left in the last financial year, compared to an industry average of just 8%.

The letter, by the Trade Union Share Owners group, asks fellow shareholders to vote for a resolution tabled at the Sports Direct AGM, calling for the board to commission an independent review of the company’s employment practices and report to shareholders within six months.

The author of the letter, TUSO chair Janet Williamson said:

“Sports Direct’s practices are not only bad for workers, but pose a long-term risk to investors, both in terms of claims against the company and reputational damage. 

“It is the responsibility of shareholders to show the Sports Direct workforce and the public that they understand that the business must change. This is a critical vote for UK corporate governance and investors’ response to this resolution will be watched closely.

“Shareholders should support our resolution calling for an independent review of the company’s employment practices. Our resolution offers a proactive, practical solution to a long-standing problem. Responsible investors will vote in favour of resolution 19 at the AGM.”

Read the full letter to shareholders (PDF)