The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Price hike has Sports Direct boss under fire
Retailer was already criticised for forcing employees to work despite warnings
Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has come under fire for the second time in less than 24 hours after it emerged the firm has hiked prices by more than 50%.
The retailer had already been blasted for forcing employees to work despite government advice to stay at home unless they are “essential” workers.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also restated her position that workers should be sent home unless they are key to “economic resilience” or aiding the fight against the pandemic, adding that those who remain open should only do so if properly manned and adhering to social distancing protocols.
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the first minister gave an update to businesses in which she advised construction sites to close. It comes after all “non-essential” retail outlets were told to shut their doors on Monday.
The company behind Sports Direct, Frasers Group, had previously tried to claim the chain was an essential operator for keeping the nation fit.
But following public backlash, it said stores would be closed, along with other brands under its ownership such as Jack Wills and Evan’s Cycles.
However, there are still reports of workers being told to arrive at stores, against government advice.
Yesterday, Sports Direct also sent a document to staff, seen by the Press Association, which shows the lines that should have price rises applied.
Pricing documents show that an Everlast 4kg kettle bell has gone up from £9.99 to £14.99 – although the sticker will still say the “original” ticket price was £19.99.
The cost of a 12kg kettle bell by Everlast, which is owned by Sports Direct’s parent company Frasers Group, is now £39.99, up from £29.99.
The DIY sector has been classed as an “essential retailer”, with B&Q stating that it is preparing to offer “only essential products” to customers.
One MP criticised DIY stores being allowed to stay open and said it was “putting the workforce at risk”.
Addressing Homebase on Twitter, Labour MP Stella Creasy encouraged people to stay at home, and said: “The government needs to be clearer and consumers need to remember who listened and who saw profit.”
Firms which have closed their stores include Primark, McDonald’s, Greggs, Nando’s, Costa Coffee, Eat, and Debenhams.
Meanwhile the founder of pub chain Wetherspoons, Tim Martin, has told staff to “go work at Tesco” instead as the firm warned them they could face delays over pay following their forced closure.