Sports Direct chief executive David Forsey charged over USC administration

David Forsey is charged with failing to notify authorities of plans to lay off warehouse staff

200 staff at USC were given just 15 minutes notice that they were out of a job (PA)

The chief executive of Sports Direct has been charged with a criminal offence relating to the administration of its USC outlet.

David Forsey is charged with failing to notify authorities of plans to lay off warehouse staff in Scotland. In January, 200 staff at USC were given just 15 minutes notice that they were out of a job in what some lawyers said were “discraceful and unlawful” employment practices.

The UK Insolvency Service has confirmed that criminal proceedings had begun.

Also on Friday, 50 former employees of USC were granted compentation equal to 90 days pay after an employment tribunal found they had not been given enough notice before losing their jobs. Employment law requires at least 30 days’ notice.

The UK Insolvency Service said: “We can confirm that criminal proceedings have been commenced against David Michael Forsey. He is charged with an offence contrary to section 194 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

The scrutiny of the USC administration included a parliamentary debate and a select committee hearing relating to the way that USC staff lost their jobs in January.

Sports Direct declined to comment.