Tesco Ireland has responded to claims from Fine Gael Senator Michael D'Arcy that some of its staff are on low and 'zero-hour' contracts.
The Wexford Senator told the Seanad, "It has been brought to my attention that some employers, mainly the multiple supermarkets, in particular Tesco and Dunnes Stores, are forcing their staff to come in for three hours a day, five days a week.
"This is unfair, as it adds to the cost of traveling to and from work and also child care. On top of this, those working part time are disallowed from claiming social welfare payments for the days they work, although for a shorter time period."
In response, Tesco Ireland told Retail Intelligence that none of its staff are "asked to work for three hours, five days a week."
The spokesperson added, "We have modern contracts of employment in place agreed with our trade unions.
"In fact, the unions refer to Tesco’s modern contracts as exemplary, and suggest that other retailers replicate us."
In response to the news last week that UK grocery ombudsman Christine Tacon was launching an investigation into Tesco's financial affairs, the Tesco Ireland spokesperson added that this investigation applies to the "UK business only", and not the Irish operations.
Last year, trade union Mandate formed the 'Decency for Dunnes Workers' campaign in a bid to combat a reported increase in 'zero-hour' working arrangements at Dunnes Stores.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
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