Supermarket chain Seiyu GK admitted Tuesday it falsified the work experience of 282 of its employees in at least 19 prefectures so they would be able to take qualification examinations as pharmaceutical sales clerks.
Two hundred of the 282 employees passed the exams, and they have been relieved of their duties as drug sales personnel, the retailer said in apologizing for the misconduct.
To be able to take the exam, applicants have to prove they have worked at least 80 hours a month for one year under the guidance of pharmacists and other certified experts.
Seiyu said it issued credential papers on 352 employees' experience for the four years since fiscal 2008. The work experience of 282 employees could not be confirmed.
Health minister Wakio Mitsui told reporters the alleged misconduct is inexcusable. "We will investigate and deal with the matter appropriately," he said.
