Sports Direct workers have elected their first representative to attend the retailer’s board meetings as it looks to counter criticism of poor working conditions. Sky News report that the company pledged a series of reforms at the firm amid outrage among unions and MPs over allegations of “Victorian” practices – mainly concentrated on its Shirebrook warehouse. They included plans to appoint a workers’ representative to allow their voices to be heard by the board. Alex Balacki, the manager of the Barnstaple store, with 13 years’ service, won the vote to secure the 12-month appointment and will attend his first meeting within weeks, stating that it was now his role “to ensure the people of Sports Direct are heard.”

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