27th Mar 2020 09:26
(Alliance News) - Frasers Group PLC on Friday offered its support to the NHS after apologising for the actions it took in a bid to keep its stores open.
The sporting goods retailer, formerly known as Sports Direct, said its intentions were only to seek clarity from the government over the last few days as to whether it should keep some of the stores open. Frasers highlighted it would never have acted against the government's advice.
The owner of Sports Direct had requested outlets stay open as "essential" stores during the coronavirus outbreak. The company was criticised for keeping warehouses open during the UK lockdown, despite concerns staff operating the facilities are at risk of catching the infection.
"I am deeply apologetic about the misunderstandings of the last few days. We will learn from this and will try not to make the same mistakes in the future," Chief Executive Mike Ashley said in an open letter.
He added: "We are working very hard to save our business so that we can continue to be one of the biggest employers on the UK high street once this pandemic has passed."
Outside of Frasers Group, Ashley said he has offered support to the NHS, with the company's entire fleet of lorries available for disposal, to help deliver medical equipment and supplies.
This offer is not limited to the NHS but all key workforces across the government, Frasers noted.
Frasers shares were trading 2.7% lower in London on Friday at 248.40 pence each.
By Evelina Grecenko; [email protected]
Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Frasers Group