Tesco clamps down on the 'sickie'

Tesco has launched a clampdown on workers who take " sickies" by refusing to pay them. Under a controversial trial scheme, employees will not be paid for the first three days they take off ill.

The supermarket giant will allow them to claim sick pay from the fourth day on but will not compensate for previous time off.

The draconian move comes just weeks before the start of Euro 2004 in Portugal, amid fears that evening workers are likely to stay off to cheer on England.

The company, which recently announced annual profits of £1.7billion, said it had introduced the policy only in new stores - and that staff had been told before joining.

The scheme, which is being tested in 20 stores, will reward staff who do not take time off sick with three days' extra holiday.

Helena Derbyshire, an employment solicitor and partner at the law firm Shoosmiths, said the scheme was "completely legal".

Rival chain Asda also does not pay sick leave for the first three days for hourly-paid staff.