Even the length of employees’ lavatory breaks was monitored, it was alleged.
Lidl said in a statement it was “shaken” by the allegations, adding that the impression that it systematically spied on employees in no way reflected the company’s principles.
It apologised to staff who felt affronted by its actions.
But the discounter admitted using cameras and sometimes employing detective agencies in order to reduce theft of stock.
It said agencies were only employed in stores with extremely high shrinkage – 8% of its outlets in Germany last year.
Lidl said some detective agencies had recorded additional details of employees’ lives, which had not been asked for by the company.
It would not be employing detective agencies in the future, and will only use visible surveillance cameras.
Lidl said it had had to contend with €80m worth of shrinkage in its last financial year.
It does not employ these surveillance methods in the UK, Lidl has said.
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