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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Boohoo defends warehouse working conditions after investigation

Boohoo has defended the working conditions at its Burnley warehouse following an undercover investigation published by a national newspaper.

The Times published a report in which it highlight what it said "gruelling targets, inadequate training and ill-fitting safety equipment." A journalist had spend a month undercover at the Lancashire site.

In response, Boohoo said it is taking "every claim very seriously" but that it does not believe "the picture painted is reflective" of the conditions at its Burnley warehouse.

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The report comes after experts at Panmure Gordon warned investors in retail giants such as Boohoo to hold off buying up more shares after a range of issues emerged in recent weeks.

The analysts told investors to hold their positions following an "absence of demand" and reports distribution centres have filled up.

A Boohoo group spokesperson said: "Boohoo is taking every claim very seriously, but does not believe the picture painted is reflective of the working environment at our Burnley warehouse.

"Over recent years, we have invited and subsequently received representatives from external organisations, authorities and people such as the GLAA, local MPs, the deputy leader of the local council, and Burnley College, and we remain committed to transparency and engagement.

"Making sure our people are safe and comfortable in their workplace is our highest priority. That is why more and more of our colleagues are choosing to stay here for longer, with our turnover rate continuing to fall year on year.

"We offer generous rates of pay, well over and above the National Living Wage, with additional benefits including subsidised private healthcare.

"Through our employee engagement programme our colleagues tell us that they are happy with their working environment, feel valued and feel listened to.

"We have been operating our Burnley warehouse for 12 years and are extremely proud of the work that we do there, the amazing team we have on-site and the important part our business plays in giving back to the local community."

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