Negative media coverage over Sports Direct’s treatment of its warehouse staff must not be allowed to damage the reputation of the logistics industry as a whole, says the head of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA).

The high street fashion retailer - which has been slammed for its use of zero hours contracts and allegations of not paying overtime - admitted in August that it had broke the law and would pay out £1 million to affected workers.

Peter Ward, CEO of supply chain trade body UKWA, has said that the reality of the logistics industry is “quite the opposite” of the poorly paid, low-skilled scene portrayed in the media.

Mr Ward labelled the industry as “dynamic” with “very favourable” pay and working conditions, as well as long term career prospects.  

He added: “It is essential that logistics attracts our brightest school and university leavers and UKWA is working hard to encourage more young people to enter the industry as a conscious career move.

“We will not allow the Sports Direct debacle to derail this progress.”