Compass Group has called in auditor Ernst & Young to go through the books of its ESS division.

The move follows an investigation by the United Nations into irregularities surrounding the awarding of a £35.3m food and water contract in Liberia to ESS.

It is believed that Ernst & Young is not doing a full review of the accounts.

The caterer called in its lawyers Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to conduct an investigation into the UN-related allegations, which is being headed by non-executive director Steve Lucas.

A Compass spokesman said: “Ernst & Young is working with Freshfields on the UN investigation. They’ve been involved since the outset.” 

The UN has suspended the group as a registered contractor until it completes its investigation.  

By Tom Bill

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