Angela Eagle, Labour’s Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, commenting on Mike Ashley’s admission that Sports Direct paid staff less than the minimum wage, said:

“It is shameful that such a large company has been exploiting workers by not paying them the minimum wage. HMRC must investigate thoroughly and Sports Direct must compensate workers where they are found to have underpaid them.

“It is also clear that there needs to be a major change in the culture and working practices at Sports Direct. Mike Ashley’s admission that he cannot be responsible for everything that goes on in his company is deeply worrying. Today’s Select Committee hearing has revealed a number of systematic failings in the employment practices at Sports Direct, and it is now vital that urgent steps are taken to address these.”