The UK retailer Sports Direct has been forced into a major climbdown after telling staff it would keep its stores open because selling leisurewear made it a "vital" asset, despite Britain going into lockdown on Monday evening to further contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sportswear chain, founded by billionaire Mike Ashley, emailed its employees within half an hour of prime minister Boris Johnson's announcement that he was forcing the closure of all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electrical stores, plus other premises including libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.

"We stock a huge range of sports equipment designed for exercising at home... indeed, home fitness is the number one trending topic on social media after coronavirus itself," wrote Chris Wootton, finance chief of the brand's parent company Frasers Group, which also owns bike shop Evans Cycles.

He added the store is, "uniquely well-placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible."

After heavy criticism from unions and politicians alike, the discount retailer was forced to clarify its position in a second email to its staff, saying its 700 stores nationwide would only open if given permission from the UK government to do so.

Such permission, however, is unlikely to be granted.

"I can't see any justification for Sports Direct remaining open," cabinet minister Michael Gove told ITV news on Tuesday morning.

The chain's attempts to remain open were met with ridicule on social media. 

"Woke up this morning with the overwhelming feeling I needed to go out and buy a pair of cheap Donnay white sports socks, lucky Sports Direct is open for these essentials!" wrote one Twitter user.

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