Transline, the temporary recruiter that became embroiled in the Sports Direct scandal, is many things to many different audiences. But, as we enter a crucial week for the company, it’s an opportune moment to note the stab it’s making at being the Kellyanne Conway of the business world.
When you think you have a fact about the firm – Transline has an alternative one to proffer. So, after the company got caught paying workers at Sports Direct’s Derbyshire warehouse less than the national minimum wage, Transline insisted: “We do not breach national minimum wage legislation” – only to subsequently make some back payments to underpaid workers.
The Sports Direct scandal ended up with a parliamentary hearing last summer, where MPs accused Transline of misleading them (not so, said the company). Still, the fallout led to rumours of problems for the business and on 28 March, Transline stated: “There is no imminent need for funds within the business” – which looked odd when it then submitted court documents preparing the company for insolvency less than four weeks later.
Company watchers expect some news on its future this week, so how is the firm calling it? “We have been involved in a number of negotiations, and are now at an advanced stage with one of the parties,” it says. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
