7-Eleven appoints specialist investigator

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven has appointed a specialist investigator to ensure its workers aren't being exploited.

The investigator, who has a policing background focusing on fraud, will investigate any suspected breaches of workplace obligations.

7-Eleven's interim CEO Bob Baily said the appointment adds another layer to compliance protocols which include store audits, enhanced payroll, time sheet and rostering procedures as well as new training and education for franchisees and employees.

A Senate inquiry was launched into 7-Eleven last year, following allegations thousands of workers were underpaid by franchise operators.

Some workers also claimed the company had charged employees up to $70,000 to sponsor their visa.

The wage regulator also raided 20 stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in September, seizing rosters, timesheets and CCTV footage from stores it suspected was committing wage fraud.

It found that 60 per cent of franchisees raided were underpaying staff.