Ikea launched an internal investigation after employees discovered hidden surveillance cameras in toilets at a distribution center in Peterborough, England.
Peterborough Telegraph writes, reproduced by independent. According to the newspaper, the cameras were hidden behind a panel in the ceiling, but as a result of a power outage, a staff member learned of an infrared light above one of the toilets.
Then the alarm sounded.
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Installed in 2015
After careful examination, it was found that surveillance cameras were installed in both the women’s and men’s restrooms. This caused many employees to react strongly.
According to a spokesperson for the giant store, the cameras were installed six years ago. However, Ikea confirms that it is not in use.
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“In 2015, in order to maintain a safe workplace for all employees, surveillance cameras were installed in the ceilings of toilets and wardrobes, as well as in the corridors outside these rooms,” an IKEA spokesperson told The Independent.
The store giant says they have taken action and removed all the cameras that were found.
– We understand that this can be considered annoying and therefore we provide support to our staff on site.
rule in France
The discovery in Peterborough comes a few months after the French branch of Ikea was fined 1 million euros for monitoring and spying on employees and job seekers between 2009 and 2012.
The fine is equivalent to just over 10 million Norwegian kroner. The public prosecutor filed a fine of 2 million euros when the case was brought to court this summer.
According to the prosecution, the espionage began in the early 2000s, but the trial centered on the period from 2009 to 2012, according to what he wrote. Reuters in June.
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The former head of the French department at IKEA, Jean-Louis Bailo, was sentenced to two years in prison on probation, in addition to a fine of 500,000 kroner. The former director of risk management, Jean-Francois Paris, was sentenced to one and a half years in prison on probation and a fine of 100,000 kroner.
Indictments were also brought against nine others in senior management and four police officers. A senior executive and some others were acquitted, while some were given suspended sentences.
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