A Tesla factory boss defended the decision to knock on workers’ doors when they’re out sick.

André Thierig denied the home visits were unusual and suggested workers were exploiting the system.

High rates of absence at the factory have attracted the interest of Elon Musk.

The boss of Tesla’s German factory has defended the decision to send managers to knock on workers’ doors while they’re out sick.

André Thierig, the senior director of the country’s Gigafactory, suggested that workers at the plant near Berlin had been exploiting German sick-leave laws. His defense came after local media reported that managers had been visiting the homes of some employees when they were off sick.