Sainsbury's chairman ticked off over staff and supplier helping home revamp

Sainsbury (Amsterdam: SJ6.AS - news) 's chairman David Tyler was ticked off by the supermarket for using staff and a supplier to help revamp his home, it has been disclosed.

Mr Tyler, who has been chairman since 2009, was given a warning letter by the company's board after an internal probe. He paid £5,000 to charity in recognition of the work done.

The case relates to his use of a Sainsbury's employee and a supplier to the supermarket to help with the development and installation of an underfloor heating system at his barn conversion in East Sussex.

Sainsbury's said: "This is a historical case dating back to 2013.

"The chairman volunteered the information and the board conducted a thorough investigation in line with company policy, as they would with any other colleague in the same circumstances.

"As a result of the investigation, the chairman was given a warning but the board concluded that his failure to comply with company policy was unintentional, that he did not act dishonestly and made no financial gain."

Mr Tyler, who was paid £496,000 by Britain's second biggest supermarket in the last financial year, is also chairman of property firm Hammerson (Frankfurt: 876140 - news) .

Sainsbury's earlier this month reported sales inching 0.1% higher over the Christmas period, though it was boosted by 4% growth at Argos following its £1.4bn takeover of the brand last year.