ASOS opens to MPs after working conditions claims

Asos has revealed it has invited MPs investigating allegations of “highly pressurised” conditions at its warehouse to tour the premises, as boss Nick Beighton insisted the online retailer has “nothing to hide”.

The House of Commons Business, Innovation, and Skills select committee said last month it would investigate the company after reports workers often went without regular toilet or water breaks.

Asos called the claims “misleading” and “inaccurate” but said it had offered to host the committee at the Barnsley warehouse, echoing invitations by Sports Direct, accused of similar poor treatment of staff.

Beighton added he is set to meet several of the committee members in the coming weeks.

“We have nothing to hide. In this business climate, scrutiny is a good thing,” Beighton said.

Asos posted a 26% rise in full-year sales to £1.4 billion and a 37% jump in adjusted pre-tax profits to £63.7 million.

Despite gloomy Kantar Worldpanel data showing the steepest decline in UK fashion sales since 2009 in the past year, Beighton said Asos was confident for the year ahead.

The company is upping investment in technology and logistics, readying an assault on the sportswear market and bringing more manufacturing to the UK.