Sports Direct's Shirebrook warehouse gets surprise MPs visit

MPs from the Business and Skills Committee have made a spot check on Sports Direct's controversial Shirebrook warehouse. 

Although the company had been expecting a visit from MPs, Sports Direct was not told when this would be.

MPs gave notice only this morning that they would visit the Derbyshire site.

The committee has investigated working practices at Shirebrook, and MPs wanted to see if promised improvements have been made.

The company, which has around 450 retail outlets, came under the spotlight after a Guardian investigation uncovered a culture of unorthodox and illegal working practices at the warehouse.

Among issued raised were staff being kept on site at Shirebrook after their shifts for body searches, putting them below the legal minimum wage.

Concern about working conditions led to Sports Direct's founder Mike Ashley being called to appear in front of the Business and Skills Committee.

He admitted at the hearing that control of the company had slipped beyond him. Mr Ashley denied knowing about the day-to-day operation at Shirebrook.

Sports Direct has promised a number of changes since Mr Ashley's appearance at the committee.

Mr Ashley is thought to be on holiday and was not at Shirebrook during the visit.

Sports Direct has not yet responded to our request for a comment.