GRAHAM HISCOTT Sports Direct scores a zero Alert on contracts as chairman teeters

SPORTS Direct has been accused of going back on promises to offer shop staff guaranteed hours.

Unite, Britain’s biggest union, claims the firm is still advertising jobs with zero-hours contracts.

That’s despite the firm pledging a year ago to offer store staff at least 12 hours’ guaranteed work a week.

Steve Turner, Unite assistant general secretary, said: “This revelation shows it is ‘business as usual’ at Sports Direct and casts doubt on just how sincere it is about cleaning up its act.”

Sports Direct did not comment on Unite’s claims.

But it comes ahead of Sports Direct’s annual general meeting Housebuilder Redrow has hailed a record set of results, defying fears over a housing market slowdown.

The firm saw revenue rise 20% to £1.66billion in the year to June 30, while profits rose 26% to £315million. Boss John Tutte said: “These exceptional results were achieved against an uncertain political and economic backdrop and the need to manage an industry-wide shortage of skills.” today where chairman Keith Hellawell faces calls to quit.

It’s understood the firm’s biggest independent investor, Fidelity International, which owns 5.2%, will oppose his re-appointment. Hermes Investment Management also wants him out.

They join a number of big investors who plan to vote against Hellawell staying on.

At last year’s AGM, 54% of independent investors voted for Hellawell to go. On that occasion he was saved by founder Mike Ashley, who owns 60% of the firm.

But Hellawell, a former West Yorkshire Police chief constable and government drugs tsar, has pledged to step down if he doesn’t get the support of a majority of independent shareholders this time.

Two other large investors, Phoenix Asset Management Partners and Aurora Investment Trust, intend to back him.

Crispin Odey, whose hedge fund owns 5% of Sports Direct and who once described Ashley as a “natural winner”, refused to say how he would vote.

Some investors are also angry that Sports Direct bought a £40million jet despite profits plunging.

A spokesman for the company said: “Our notice of AGM makes it clear that Keith Hellawell has the full support of his fellow directors.”

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UNWANTED Keith Hellawell