A senior director at the British optics giant Specsavers has been suspended following a serious breach of company policy, after allegedly billing a Secret Santa gift as a business expense.
The embarrassing incident has triggered an immediate internal investigation at the renowned high-street chain, known for its iconic "Should've gone to Specsavers" advertising campaign. The company has moved swiftly to address the misconduct, confirming the individual's suspension pending a full review.
Sources indicate the executive submitted the cost of the festive gift—intended for a colleague—through the official corporate expenses system. The attempt to pass off the personal purchase as a business cost was reportedly flagged by the company's rigorous financial controls.
In a statement, a Specsavers spokesperson emphasised the company's zero-tolerance approach to policy violations: "We can confirm a director has been suspended pending an internal investigation. We hold all our partners and employees to the highest standards of conduct and take any breach of our policies extremely seriously."
The scandal raises questions about oversight within even the most established UK firms. It serves as a stark reminder to corporate Britain of the importance of robust financial governance, especially during the festive season when the lines between personal and professional spending can sometimes blur.
While the value of the gift remains undisclosed, the incident is seen as a significant breach of trust. The company has not revealed the director's identity or their specific role within the organisation.
