Tesco has been fined almost £50,000 after putting the safety of its staff at risk.

Bracknell Forest Council prosecuted the retail giant over a of health and safety offences involving the unloading and loading of vehicles at its Warfield store. Two different stores in the area also failed to report three staff accidents in line with required procedures.

Tesco admitted the charges and was subsequently handed the £48,000 fine. The council was awarded £25,000 in legal costs.

David Steeds, Bracknell Forest’s head of environmental health, said: “It’s vital that companies stick to health and safety rules so their employees remain out of danger at work.

“Unfortunately, Tesco failed to keep to these rules and, as a result, employees were injured – quite seriously in one of the cases – or put in harms way.”

He added: “I’m pleased Tesco admitted the charges in court and that the magistrates sitting agreed the charges were serious enough to warrant a £48,000 fine plus £25,000 costs.

“I hope this sends a warning to all companies that health and safety measures should be in place and followed or else we will prosecute them on behalf of the welfare of their staff.”

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