Sports Direct denies knowledge of hidden camera in tray of sandwiches

Sports Direct has said it had no knowledge of a camera said to have been hidden in a tray of sandwiches to record a private MPs (BSE: MPSLTD.BO - news) ' meeting.

The sportswear giant was responding to the accusations which came after six members of the business select committee made a surprise visit to the firm's controversial Shirebrook warehouse in Derbyshire.

It said it was disappointed that the visit had been overshadowed by reports about the "possible recording device ... the veracity of which has yet to be determined".

"The board would like to make it clear that it did not authorise or have any knowledge of the possible recording device," the company said.

Sports Direct also said members of its workforce had expressed positive views about the company in their meetings with MPs and claimed many expressed "dissatisfaction" with how it was portrayed.

Mike Ashley, the company's majority owner, said: "I stand firmly behind the people of Sports Direct, who through no fault of their own have been made a political football by MPs and unions."

Sports Direct said it was delighted that the MPs had made their unannounced visit, but disappointed they made it on a day when they knew Mr Ashley would not be on site.

Members of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee visited the Shirebrook warehouse to follow up on their inquiry into working practices at the company.

Redcar MP Anna Turley, who was on the visit, said: "We had a positive tour around, we got to speak to a lot of the workforce and we got to see a lot of people who were very positive about the brand.

"Then at the end of the meeting we sat down to have a private conversation in a room by ourselves, a lady came in with some sandwiches - which was very kind - and I saw her put a recording device on the floor.

"When she left the room I went over to pick it up and there it was: a camera and a recording device. Very disappointing."

Business Secretary Greg Clark today told Parliament the claims were "extraordinary ... especially for a company that has made declarations that it wants to improve its reputation and image".

Sports Direct has been under fire from unions, investors and politicians over claims of Victorian workhouse conditions at the warehouse, and over its corporate structure.

Mr Ashley, who also owns Newcastle United, has taken over the role of chief executive after long-term aide Dave Forsey resigned at the end of September.

The retailer has now made a commitment to hold an independent review into its corporate governance and working conditions.

That followed a bruising AGM when chairman Keith Hellawell clung on despite a vote to oust him by independent shareholders.