Tesco's boss orders head office staff to work at stores amid investigation
Tesco’s new boss has reportedly ordered thousands of staff at head office to work at stores to help improve service amid an investigation into the supermarket’s accountancy practices.
Chief executive Dave Lewis on Tuesday sent an email to employees, including top executives, at Tesco's headquarters and other corporate offices to inform them about the programme 'Feet on the Floor', Sky News said.
Under the initiative, more than 4,000 employees will be required to work one day every fortnight in a store selected from a list across the UK between now and Christmas.
Lewis will be among those who help out at stores in an effort to boost morale, as will newly appointed chief financial officer Alan Stewart.
They will spend alternate Thursdays or Fridays in shops.
Lewis is trying to restore confidence in the supermarket after revealing it overstated its half-year profits by £250m.
The Financial Conduct Authority has notified the grocer it will be looking into the incident, alongside an independent review by Tesco’s accountants Deloitte.
Tesco said it will continue to co-operate fully with the FCA and other relevant authorities considering the matter.
The half-year results were originally scheduled to be released on Wednesday but have been postponed until 23 October pending the investigation.
Four executives, including the UK unit’s chief executive and finance director, have been suspended until the outcome of the probe is revealed.