Controversial high street chain Sports Direct has been slammed for recruiting struggling Scots on zero-hour contracts.
Mike Ashley’s firm is advertising for £8.75-an-hour shop assistants in Edinburgh and Dundee over the summer with no minimum number of shifts promised.
Union officials condemned the move for failing to protect workers during the uncertainty of the coronavirus crisis.
Unite community coordinator Jamie Caldwell said: “Nothing has changed at all. During this pandemic, zero-hour contracts aren’t fit for purpose.
“At a time when folk need security, and economic security is one of the biggest things at this time, again Sports Direct aren’t willing to make the commitment to their workers - which is wrong.”
Ashley sparked a furious backlash at the start of lockdown after lobbying the UK government for his stores to stay open.
The billionaire later issued a grovelling apology admitting his request was "ill judged and poorly timed" and vowed to "learn from his mistakes".
Zero-hour contracts have been labelled “exploitative” in the past for failing to provide workers with holidays or sick pay.
The Unite union organised protests outside Sports Direct stores in Scotland in 2016 to try to get zero-hour contracts scrapped.
Union officials claimed they were told the firm would halt the practice only for it to “break its promise.”
Online adverts ask for “driven, committed and enthusiastic” shop assistants to work in Sports Direct’s flagship Princes Street store in Edinburgh until September.
The ad reads: “This role has no guaranteed hours of work, hours of work can therefore vary from week to week and, as a result, there may be weeks when no hours of work are offered.”
Bosses offer a commission scheme, tickets for major sport events - though crowds are currently barred from venues - and a 20 percent staff discount.
Sports Direct has been approached for comment.
