Security measures at the warehouse have reportedly intensified to the extent that workers are made to remove their shoes for spot checks and are searched upon entering the toilets.
Asos and global logistics giant XPO, which runs the distribution centre, denied the allegations.
Ian Wright, the chair of the House of Commons business, innovation and skills select committee said: “When I read the article, the reaction from me was this was ominously and depressingly familiar. We really want to eliminate this sort of working practice in Britain.”
The investigation into Asos will be part of the committee's forthcoming Future World of Work general enquiry into employment practices to be launched in January.
The enquiry will also be looking into employment structures at BHS and Sports Direct.
Responding to the news of the appalling work practices faced by warehouse workers at Asos, Owen Espley, War on Want’s labour rights campaigner said: “Asos has a serious case to answer, its behaviour is disgraceful. Precarious contracts are the root cause of this abuse, with bosses holding all the power workers are too afraid to challenge appalling treatment for fear of losing their job. Only through allowing workers their own voice in a trade union at work can this exploitation be stopped. It’s time to end precarious contracts.”
In August, GMB, one of UK’s largest trade unions, has called on the Business Select Committee to launch an inquiry into working practices at Asos, warning it could become “the next Sports Direct”.
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