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More Than 60% Of You Plan To Boycott Companies After Lockdown

More Than 60% Of You Plan To Boycott Companies After Lockdown

Some people are less than impressed with how a number of companies have behaved since the pandemic

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Almost 65 percent of LADbible followers have said they plan to boycott some companies due to how they've acted during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a poll on Twitter yesterday, 64.9 percent of the 6,871 voters said they were planning to boycott some companies when the lockdown was lifted, compared to 35.1 percent who said they 'don't really care'.

Responding to the poll, several people vowed that some companies would 'never see a penny' of their cash again, however others argued that boycotting will mean more misery for staff as they're the ones who will lose jobs and suffer more than well-off CEOs.

Following the government order that all non-essential businesses must close until the outbreak is under control, a number of companies have faced scrutiny from consumers about how they've treated staff.

One business in the firing line was pub chain Wetherspoon, after boss Tim Martin announced that the company couldn't promise to pay its 43,000 members of staff past the 24 March until it was given cash from the government. Footage was then shared of him telling staff to apply for jobs in supermarkets.

However, a spokesperson from Wetherspoon claimed the message had been 'misinterpreted'. They said in a statement: "As we understand it, tens of thousands of hospitality workers and others have already lost their jobs, but Wetherspoon is retaining all its employees, using the government scheme for the purpose for which it is intended.

"Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said to employees in a video that supermarkets were urgently looking for staff, since all trade from pubs, restaurants and cafes had transferred to supermarkets in the last few days.

"Wetherspoon has had urgent calls from supermarkets asking for help in recruitment. Tesco alone urgently needs 20,000 staff, we understand. Tim Martin said in the video that staff who wanted to work for Tesco should do so and they will be given first priority when Wetherspoon pubs reopen.

"Wetherspoon believes that the actions it has taken are responsible and sensible in the difficult circumstances."

Elsewhere, Piers Morgan vowed to boycott Sports Direct last month when it was revealed that the company had hiked some of its price during the outbreak.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain in March, Morgan said: 'For everyone doing good work out there, Sports Direct insisted their staff went in, claiming they were an essential store.

PA

"So it's now transposed an investigation into them, they've been jacking up all their prices. What is it about Sports Direct that they don't get? Doing something for your country doesn't mean fleecing people.

"We will remember the companies who stepped up to care for their employees and customers and we'll remember those who abused their employees.

"We know what you did, you have been exposed, I think you should shut your stores. Good luck to the employees that forgive you - I won't. I think it's disgusting."

He then added: "I don't blame the employees, I blame the management."

A spokesperson from parent company Fraser defended the increase, saying: "While some goods have seen an increase in price at Sports Direct, this is not the complete or accurate picture. Not only were these goods originally discounted, but even now they are under the RRP."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus