Unions have hit out at Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley over the pay structure and rights given to the part-time staff working for his retailing group Sports Direct.

The company has been accused of giving 90% of their staff 'zero-hour' contracts, meaning that those workers have no guaranteed wage or the right to sick or holiday pay.

"We hope Mr Ashley will discuss how the treatment of workers can be improved," the Daily Star quotes a Unite spokesman as saying.

Reports have also claimed that around 20,000 part-time staff will miss out on getting bonuses of up to £75,000, which will be paid to the 2,000 full-time workers next month.