Only speak English, staff at Sports Direct told

SPORTS Direct has been forced to apologise after it put up signs ordering staff in UK stores to speak only English at work.

The signs said the policy included ‘any personal conversations’ and cited ‘health and safety issues’. They added that staff who failed to comply would be ‘subject to the disciplinary process’.

But after a sign was put up in its Bangor store, critics said it was restrictive of the Welsh language. The Welsh Language Commissioner began an investigation into the policy.

Sports Direct yesterday denied prejudice against the Welsh. A spokesman said: ‘It was intended to ensure that all staff who attended briefings on health and safety and other important issues fully understood the content of these communications. English is the most common language used by our multi-lingual staff and, therefore, the most likely to be understood by all.’

The spokesman added that the company will be ‘reviewing the wording of the notice to ensure this is made clearer’.

He also said: ‘We apologise for any misunderstanding or upset this notice has caused.’