Shocking ambulance call-out figures revealed for ‘satanic mill’ ASOS and JD Sports warehouses

ASOS and JD Sports have been accused of running their warehouses like “dark satanic mills” after figures were revealed showing the high number of ambulance call-outs to their sites.

Ambulances were called out a total of 45 times last year to an ASOS warehouse in Little Houghton near Barnsley, while there were 40 call-outs to a JD Sports facility in Rochdale.

The figures have reignited fears about working conditions at the companies’ warehouses, according to union Unite.

45 ambulance call-outs in just one year

Both employers have responded by saying that the safety of their workers is a high priority.

The figures, which were sourced through Freedom of Information requests by the Press Association, show that in the past three years the South Yorkshire ASOS warehouse had required ambulance call-outs 148 times.

The Greater Manchester JD Sports location has had 117 call-outs in the same time period.

‘Dark satanic mills of the 21st century’

Responding to the figures, Matt Draper, from Unite, said, "The warehouses of some companies risk becoming the dark satanic mills of the 21st Century.

“It doesn’t have to be this way though. Where employers work with trade unions and treat people with respect there are fewer accidents and a better health and safety record.”

Neil Derrick, GMB regional secretary, said ASOS bosses "appear to be in denial about the inhumane conditions people have to work under" at the Barnsley warehouse.

He said, "They are making millions while workers are literally being taken away in ambulances."