Would be grateful for all your learned opinions. No wise cracks or jokes (they will be deleted), stick to the point please.
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Also: In your opinion what const*tutes bringing the company into disrepute.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
So long as any such post if factual and can be subtantiated then how can they disciplin you for telling the truth.
You know they say the truth hurts well it don't hurt as much as a pallet droped on your head from E level :P
Prehaps managment should deal with things and keep the work force happy or atleast deal with any individual on that basis as an individual on the merrets of the case,unfortunately they don't the choise to tar everyone with the same brush >:(
They never use there discrestion personly i don't think the SM allow the mm to use any discretion :( if they did have the grevences would never get to the stage where a grivence had to go in
To bring the company into disrepute then i belive somthing liebalis makeing the company look bad in the public eye to be disreputable
If the mm have direputable practises then they should deal with them not anyone pointing out there errors
In a democracy, I thought we had freedom of speech. Factual criticism should not be a problem. To name names on here could be on dodgy ground in a court of law; so probably best not to.
As for 'bringing the company into disrepute'; could be applied to any criticism of the company. But if said criticism was proved to be true, then an Industrial Tribunial would find in favour of the acccuser I would think.
Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 workers have the right not to be victimised for blowing the whistle on employer malpractice.
Bit of a legal minefield this one.
-----------------------
Doing nothing is very hard to do.....you never know when you've finished
(moderator)
Observations and criticisms can be posted directly on a public site as long as the following criteria are adhered to:-
1) the individual or individuals are not directly named or are identifiable by a commonly used nickname
2) no contravention of the data protection act occurs(ie names addresses or personal information is disclosed)
3) the incidents or practices being reported are factual and no embellishments have been added for an element of drama
4) The article contains no libellous content(this is a tricky one and links directly to point 3)
These pointers are for 'public postings' like the ones we do here on VLH,because it is a site which any member of the general public can access-including the people who you are writing about.
A general rule of thumb is this; if you came across a public site and you found details about yourself on it-how would you feel and more importantly how would you react?
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!!!!
If a libellous posting is found and the target individual decides to act on it then it can lead to the hosting site being closed down!
So please guys and gals,when you are venting spleen on VLH try and remember that you could potentially close down the site for the benefit of a few seconds of anger!
Here endeth the lesson!
whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door!
Absolutem
Obsoletum
See Below ??? ??? [?][?] ;)
There is not much to add except to bloodhounds 4th point I would expand upon it and say that libellous content is a matter of interpretation and could easily be construed by another to mean something entirely different from the authors original intention.
A court would need to decide the gravity of the libel.
If it could be proven that you had a guilty mind i.e. deliberately set out to libel someone and the libel caused harm, hurt or suffering then you acted guiltily when you accomplished what you intended and the court would find you guilty of libel and award the plaintiff damages.
Generally criticising the management should not provoke any disciplinary action.
A criticism is your personal view of something that you disagree with or feel is unjust.
However, you may be called to account for how you criticise. . i.e. standing in the middle of a Store or DC and yelling at a MM that they don't have a Scooby Do how to do anything could be reason enough to require you to justify your actions.
That goes from the content to how it was delivered.
If it is considered that it was delivered disrespectfully then that alone may be considered as bringing the company into disrepute.
A simple analogy is a GA stands in the middle of a busy Store and is having a heated argument with a Manager, another Staff Member or a Customer.
The bringing the company into disrepute would be considered by the impression such a spectacle would be perceived by the general public.
Tesco would be embarrassed that its Staff were not professional enough to take the disruption away from the public gaze, it would assume that the Public would consider Tesco unfavourably in that it allowed such behaviour to be displayed in public.
Tesco pay out a fortune in advertising the friendly family Store and would be horrified when that public image is tarnished in such a disreputable way.
I have used a Store scenario simply because Tesco are very concerned about their public image and are liable to act more severely in a disciplinary case than in a DC.
Kindest regards.
Billybong.
Exemplo Ducemus.
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
In one of my previous employment contracts (not with Tesco's, I might add) it stated (in small print) that if woulds be deemed as gross miss-conduct to talk ill of the company.
Bit slap dash methinks then slap head. LOL
Kindest regards.
Billybong.
Exemplo Ducemus.
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
On another tangent,
How would you stand (legally) if you were to secretly recored a MM abusing you.
Let's say when we get called upstairs for A still-time infringement etc.
I ask this because a lot of us have the ability to do this with our own Mobil phones.
I would imagine the same process would need to be considered and arguments used as currently used when the MM use CCTV to back up their cases. ;) >:D ;D
Kindest regards.
Billybong.
Exemplo Ducemus.
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
All of the above points are well made but on a note of caution, I would imagine Tesco's crack legal team are just biding thier time ( or am I just being paranoid ? ). All it take's, as has been mentioned already, is one slip or rant too many ...
Thanks to all for your views on this subject so far. As this forum is members only ( I know anyone can join ) it is not shoved into the publics face so I believe a little more freedom of speech is permissable ( but not much ).
The public notice board is a another ball game, I believe it is needed to perhaps encourage people onto the site and into the forum. But I would ask all of you to read the posts that are on there and send me or a moderator a message or Email if you feel someone has stepped over the line. I and the moderators have to pass every post, but we are human and not legal eagles so we may miss something. Thanks for your help.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
A tribunal, would I believe be in favour of freedom of speech. This is as long as the details were true.
How can anyone be punished for telling the truth ?
Also they couold not punish anyone for trying to improve conditions for themsleves and their colleagues.
What headlines that would make. Bully boy tactics used by multi billion pound company, against anyone who complains about the way that they operate.
If you go a union web sites you find that companies are mention a lot and so are the managers not by name, but by t*tle so the above should not be a problem, checkout www.unionreps.org.uk and you will see for yourself
I think T****S would take a very dim view of anyone that put subjects into the public domain which would or could affect their profit margins.
This is why you'll only find aliases on this or any other forum. :( :-\
quote:
Originally posted by Big un
A tribunal, would I believe be in favour of freedom of speech. This is as long as the details were true.
How can anyone be punished for telling the truth ?
Also they couold not punish anyone for trying to improve conditions for themsleves and their colleagues.
What headlines that would make. Bully boy tactics used by multi billion pound company, against anyone who complains about the way that they operate.
Not so, My name is for all to see.
Kindest regards.
Billybong.
Exemplo Ducemus.
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
Hay as a result of the question someone got a final written warnng in a store I know
DACK TO RATH
Death to Tescos Pit tach
Hi Dack_to_Rath Yes I know who you are referring to, but what you need to remember is that providing your comments are both factual and true and you are not identifying private persons then you should have no concerns.
People that make their living in the public domain have rights as well but are more likely to be named.
Does your contract of employment explicitly prohibit you from making public proclamations, if not then you should have no worries.
You may have something about "Not bringing the company into disrepute."
However, what I read here they do a good job of bringing the company into disrepute on their own anyway, they don't need our help.
Keep it simple, keep it honest, keep it coming. ;) >:D ;D
Kindest regards.
Billybong.
Exemplo Ducemus.
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
I would have to say that as we live in a democratic country that allows us freedom of speech, then i can`t see a court or tribunal that would find against the person making the statement, unless names were mentioned and the allegations/comments were untrue and proven such. Good question though.
to bring the co. into disrepute...
wouldnt they have to show that the "direputable" act had changed the publics perception....which means lower takings?
I remember one of my old union colleagues actually argued this point.
Someone was being disciplined for bringing the co. into disrepute. However, he (or she :)) showed the takings prior to and after the alleged incident. The takings for several weeks afterwards showed no detrimental affect and were in fact ahead of budget.
He (or she) won.
The co couldnt prove they had been detrimentally affected and therefore concluded it couldnt have been disreputable or something along those lines.
*************************************************
Those who scream loudest are the quietest when action is needed
Why does the truth always hurt then, if half the customers knew what really went on behind the scenes there would be no queues at the checkouts
quote:
Originally posted by antaeus11
Why does the truth always hurt then, if half the customers knew what really went on behind the scenes there would be no queues at the checkouts
And unfortunately we'd all be out of a job! :(
Like it or loathe it, the best we can do is try and change the company-the public,bless there cotton socks,don't really give two hoots what the conditions are like for the workers-they just want cheap,available goods in the stores. ;)
whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door!
Absolutem
Obsoletum
quote:
Originally posted by nomad
Would be grateful for all your learned opinions. No wise cracks or jokes (they will be deleted), stick to the point please.
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Also: In your opinion what const*tutes bringing the company into disrepute.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
I have taken a camra to work and taken pics with it and showed thouse pics to the gm and put them on to disk for him . He did`t seem botherd but the sm tould me that i was using theternig behaver and bringing the company to disrepute gross neg ect,ect untill i informed him that I was telling him and thats informing him not threternig him. I was al so tould that by telling the loaders on the shift that they must work as to there training i was insiteing them to riot and I could be saked for that
If the training is as per the training departments safe system of work how can any fool in his right mind see that asking colleagues to carry out their duties as the were trained been seen as remotely like inciting to riot? I think that this person needs to review the following acts to find his relevant areas:
1. Crime and Disorder Act 1998 1998 Chapter 37
2. Criminal Justice Acts 2001 to 2005 inclusive
That should keep him occupied for a while >:D
carebear in what capacity were you telling the loaders to work as trained ?
stand up ,sit down,stand up,sit down
quote:
Originally posted by doesnt
carebear in what capacity were you telling the loaders to work as trained ?
stand up ,sit down,stand up,sit down
I dosen`t matter as to what capacity im in. I saw someone do somthing that put mine & others safty at risk. the case with the camra and this one are weeks apart and are not conected.
quote:
Originally posted by insane
Carebear typical mm tactic move the blame don't address the issue, do what I did in one particular instance and say ok lets talk to snr mm and hse and we can both face the music together.You did nothing wrong call there bluff their calling yours.
>:D "Do it TODAY.........cos tomorrow will never come">:D
Those who say it can be done better usually have a reason why THEY can't do it.
8)
I have the greviance went in the nexed day so I cant say to much more but im taking it all the way
I once took some photos of the staff restbite area as it was in such an appalling state. From the photos you could clearly see many breaches of health and hygiene regs. When i gave them to the store manager he went ape****. "Why had i done this?","what was i thinking?"etc. When i replied that it was the night management team who suggested it, he went quite. I also stated that i was happy to: send them to head office; the union; enviromental health etc.
The point being allways have evidence to back up any arguement or statement that you give. A diary of problems at your workplace can be used as evidence in a court case. Or as a manager said to me, "if its not in writing it does not exist", thank god for log books! ;D
I have an hypthetical thingy question ???
what if you went shopping in a rival company supermarket in your uniform could you be open to some kinda of charge of bringing the company into disrepute as you are clearly making a statement to others that you work for $$%%$ but you would sooner go shopping elsewhere
Taking
Every
Shopping
Centre
Over
I pretend to work they pretend to pay me
Do it all the time m8), finish work go to adsa with the wife...meet a lot of the boys there too!
No one said anything yet....including senior mm((also there as well!) ;D ;D >:D
praemonitus, praemunitus
Do it regularly as is my right.
In fact I left a bag behind in a rival shop the other day[:I]. The staff could not have been more helpful (let me replace everything after searching high & low). I caught the odd glance at my T logo but not a word was said. ;)
As long as you are courteous & respectful in your behaviour(as I would like to hope you all are) then this should not be an issue. :-[
If anybody is aware of a clause in their contract that prevents them freedom of choice in shopping then I would like to know.
REMEMBER, in the words of our all knowing marketing dept.(when accused of squeezing out the compet*tion) - "our customers have the choice where they shop". If freedom of choice for the customer is paramount, then as a customer you can hardly be pulled over the coals for actualising this freedom. ;D
If knowledge hangs around your neck like pearls instead of chains you are a lucky man
It used to state in the handbook (not sure if it still does), your uniform had to be covered up once you left the building.
*************************************************
Those who scream loudest are the quietest when action is needed
Checked everywhere for this clause. Could not find it - just the one about disrepute.HR were nonplussed by this as they sometimes do the same.:)
If knowledge hangs around your neck like pearls instead of chains you are a lucky man
So,hypothetically speaking,if upon receipt of an urgent call from 'Er indoors to pick up some bread and a pint of milk on the way home and being in Tessers uniform because I've just finished a shift,it would be more suitable to go into the local Morrisons stark naked than to wear a company uniform?[:I]
surely not? ???
I can't help but think that this is just another form of 'free-time control' that seems to be encroaching on the way we live our lives.
so the powers that be are now looking at our leisure time drinking habits,our standards of dress and what we wear outside work as well as what our levels of performance are at work.
Errm...does'nt this sound a bit like a George Orwellian nightmare?
All pickers are equal but some are more equal than others?
Guess I'll be changing my surname to 'Smith' real soon then! ;)
;)Thank goodness it's just a hypothetical question;)..for now ;D
whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door!
Absolutem
Obsoletum
(Moderatum)
i think if you were a manager and a member of staff was having a go in here at you, i would take them to one side and talk to them face to face. if they cant say it to thier face how can they change for the better.
Nightboy- that post flew straight past me - surely there is anonymity on this site(to some degree - some of us stick out like a sore thumb to anyone that knows us[:I])
If knowledge hangs around your neck like pearls instead of chains you are a lucky man
I have even better hypothetical question, What would happen if you walk into your store wearing the Greatly desigened T-shirt VERY LITTLE HELPS. I have thought about this, I haven't bought one yet! but I would like to try it :o . Must people would not know what it stands for, but the staff would :o . Do you think I would booted out of my store:-x I have got the pen and a key ring I await a staff search. >:D
qball, I now make a point of always going shopping in my VLH t-shirt. As a bloke it is quite disconcerting to have people staring at my chest, as though I have gigantic knockers :o MM will give a sideways glance and look away in case you catch them looking :( GAs seem to know what it is but seem afraid to ask[8)] Twice though (strangely, at the lottery counter) I have been asked if it is a genuine web site or a joke :o My reply is always. "Oh it's 100% genuine, it's the Tesco site for Tesco people, why not log on and join in." with that I hand them one of my VLH 'business' cards ;D
Ratchet (Moderator)
A picture is worth a thousand words. Send them to ratchet@verylittlehelps.com
qball006, from a previous post of myne.
quote:
I wore myne to-day as we had a "beach day" in store and a lot of comments were passed, But of a positive not. If their were a prize for the best dressed i'm sure i would have got it!
Staff were comming up to me and asking were i had it made (misinformed soles)so i advertised and promoted.
Well done Nomad.
All comes to he who WAITS!
I often wear mine shopping, raised eyebrows, stares, giggles, I get them all. Managers usually turn away and blank me.
Tugmaster and I also wore ours on the flight home from hols, thought we might get some international interest ... ;) ;D . Lots of interest at Dalaman and Gatwick.
The Mrs (Administrator)
Went shopping in Sa***urys once on the way home in full Tes** uniform and not a word was said. I also know some Sainsbury staff who shop in my local Tes**, but only on their off days.
Einstein.
He who thinks wins, Sometimes
Ratchet, you should send a copy of your business card so I can pass it around store, see what kind a reaction >:D I get, also to advertise this site more, ;) I have also told a friend in Ireland about ths site, and she find it great.
The Mrs
Nobody of the management has ever said or done anything?
qball, on one trip I had to return a dress, there was a problem and the manager had to be called. I was blatant with my t-shirt ... shoulders back, arms at my sides ... he looked, didn't say a word about it.
>:D
What can they do? It's not obscene, racist etc ... and everyone has the right of peaceful protest. ;D
The Mrs (Administrator)
Stand tall and proud that you have the right to a opinion.
ON MY TRAVELS SPREADING THE "WORD" ABOUT THIS WEBSITE, I ALLWAYS STATE THAT YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR IF WHAT YOU PUT IS TRUE!
MOST OF THE MANAGERS AT MY STORE HAVE READ THIS WEBSITE AND MANY KNOW WHO I AM AND WHAT I SAY. IM NOT WORRIED AT ALL, I CAN BACK UP ALL MY POSTINGS WITH EVIDENCE OR EXAMPLES.
So can I, fatty. I would not put anything on this site if it were not true
ANY THING SAID ON THIS WEB SITE OR ANY OTHER FOR THAT MATTER SHOULD BE CONFIDENTAL.PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT SAY WHAT THEY WANT.WHEN YOU ARE ON THIS SITE YOU ARE NOT AT WORK AND THERE FOR NOT SUBJEST TO ANY DISAPLININARY ACTION. AND IM SURE THE UNION WOULD TAKE A VERY DIM VIEW OF ANY MANAGER THAT TRIED TO DO IT.
Sorry but you are inncorrect MIKEL74, you may be bringing the company into disrepute if you post something that is NOT TRUE or UNPROVEN. As for your arguement that it should be confidential its a public website, there for anybody to read. If we had no concerns surely we would be using our real names?
Dont fall into the trap that anything you do outside work does not affect your employment status. Imagine if you will that you commited a crime, say an assault on a saturday night in town and it was reported in the papers. If that report in the paper stated that you worked for tesco that could be construed as "bringing the company into disrepute".
It wouldn't take much to work out who I am then!! Not many Out of Hours birds in this neck of the woods. Still, I stand by everything I say, & usually say most of it at work anyway!! I am concerned at some of the things I read on the site. It horrifies me that managers seem to be held in so little regard by so many staff. I am sorry that people like these exist in the company (and believe me I've encountered of few in the past) and very much hope that the job I do makes my own staff feel comfortable at work & that I go some way to making a small difference where I work. Wish I could do more.....
If you need a namebadge to know who I am, I don't need to know you.
morgan
Good for you.
Remember people we live in a democracy,which means freedom of speech if the powers that be dont like it is tough, they cannot do anything to stop you voicing your opinions.If a manager wants to give me a hard time while I am wearing my T shirt whilst delivering to his store I just go by the book and the job takes longer and he eventually disapears.
Free speech is a powerful thing when used properly.
Tonka (Moderator)
Nils despurandum illegitimi carborundum
all they need is reasonable doubt
I thought "reasonable doubt" meant NOT guilty?
The Mrs (Administrator)
under employment law, the company only has to have reasonable doubt or reasonable belief of a misapproriate event as grounds to discipline someone
A lot of people think it is like criminal law whereby the company would have to 'prove' a transgression, they dont.
*************************************************
Those who scream loudest are the quietest when action is needed
quote:
Originally posted by morgan
It wouldn't take much to work out who I am then!! Not many Out of Hours birds in this neck of the woods. Still, I stand by everything I say, & usually say most of it at work anyway!! I am concerned at some of the things I read on the site. It horrifies me that managers seem to be held in so little regard by so many staff. I am sorry that people like these exist in the company (and believe me I've encountered of few in the past) and very much hope that the job I do makes my own staff feel comfortable at work & that I go some way to making a small difference where I work. Wish I could do more.....
If you need a namebadge to know who I am, I don't need to know you.
Some managers are held in so little regard because they are either 1.Up their own backsides, 2.unable to think "outside the box" because they are so rooted in the tesco ways, or 3.have no people skills, and possibly see other staff or jobs as beneath them. Nothing riles GA's more than the upstairs/downstairs mentality!
I wasn't even supposed to BE HERE TODAY!!!
MR BOB, please try not to generalise about management, many are well adjusted and caring individuals...... (hang on I've not taken my medication this morning)! ;)
FATTY, (Moderator).
All you have to remember is if you know you are right or wrong, if you challenge mms and you are abusive then you have dropped yourself in it, if you are polite but still say it then they cant sack you,. What I basically say is - there is a line, you know deep down when you have crossed it and visa versa, if you feel you are right and in your rights then you are right, otherwise you wouldnt have thought it, if you know you are undefendable then accept it, you messed up.
Its on like Donkey Kong beeeaaattttcccchhhh!
quote:
Originally posted by slap head
In one of my previous employment contracts (not with Tesco's, I might add) it stated (in small print) that if woulds be deemed as gross miss-conduct to talk ill of the company.
my god. all tesco staff would be sacked. lol
yes and completely unrealistic,think about Fridat night down the pub-ever over-heard anyone saying how great their job is?
Would that then constitute 'talking ill' of the company?
'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away'
BH
(Moderator)
any disciplinary or legal action would have to show that the "talk" was harmful to the company in some way. "yes M'lord the defendant talked about the company in a derisory and derogatory way,resulting in them making only £2.2 billion pounds profit, clearly they were harmed by his actions" ;D
take two cages onto the shop floor? not me i just faceandgo! (moderator)
But what if you were overheard by a member of staff, and the conversation was between you and your spouse down the pub, with no other person from tescos that you knew, would that be classed as bringing the company name in to disripute ??? [?]
I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches.
No just damn rude to listen to other peoples conversations ;D
Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
Well all i can say is, GOOD ANSWER POA ;D ;D :D :D
I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches.
Can they bring action for telling the truth?
And Tesco can bring themselves into disrepute without staff help.
Through rage i ROAR!!!!
In reply to the original question - this site is only like talking to your neighbours in the street so shouldn't lead to disciplinary action. Would be very petty if they did - gawd we'd have to watch what we say when out drinking next.
Luv my Southern Soulmate
So if I was to say something along the lines of "That Billybong is a daft old codger who could do with shaving more often, or that Hairy is a disgrace to the world of haircuts" I could be disciplined for saying this? Bring it on. ;)
You might be disciplined by vlh mods on this one and not by toscos. Lets have no slagging off of our members please - no matter who they are its petty. Thank you.
Luv my Southern Soulmate
It was also a joke, remember them?
PS, nothing in that post I've not said to the two mentioned a gazillion times, and received just as good back, it's just banter.
We are, we are, we are the Mods.
Cool head hotlips ;D ;D :D :D
Even i thought that was a little funny, and wouldnt have taken that remark to heavy. :D :D
But before were asked back to the topic please :D :D :D :D
I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches.
When a member quotes something hypothetically, as in the case of Slaphead's "so IF I was to say something along the lines of ..." then it's being used as an example to illustrate something.
I realise that some members could do this to try to be clever and have a go at someone without actually having a go at them, if you know what I mean.
I feel like the VLH Police today. Is it the heat? It seems to be kicking off all over the place.
Slaphead, Billybong and Hairy are long standing members, they work together and banter together. Moderators get to know the members over time. We can usually (not always) tell the difference between good humoured banter and nastiness. Members are always welcome to email a moderator if they have any concerns. I've had some today and I am consulting with my colleagues and will be writing back to those concerned later this evening.
Oh and by the way ... Billybong IS an old codger >:D :P ;) ;D He is also a good friend and I am sure he won't take offence, he'll just get his own back when I'm least expecting it. 8)
Back to topic please :-[
The Mrs (Administrator)
Cant remember topic now ;D ;D
Sorry mrs just a joke :D
Can the company take any legal action if you do say something, if you have already been dismissed and have said some thing really bad about the company. :o As in going to the tabloid press. ???
I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches.
The laws of slander and libel cover the spoken and written defamation of an individual or organisation.
Should you write to the News of the World for example, they would need some proof that your allegations were true. If they published without any confirmation, they would be risking being taken to court and fined for libel. If your allegation led to a loss of earnings for the company, that loss could be made part of the damages. With a company as big as this, that could easily run into millions of pounds.
Whether you are included in the court case as a co-defendant,alongside the NotW or charged seperatley would be up to the company. In either case you would have to give evidence in your defence,if found guilty you too could be fined. Unless you have concrete evidence,don't do it!
take two cages onto the shop floor? not me i just faceandgo! (moderator)
I know that this may seem a silly question, but all most everybody has spoken ill of the company on this website (myself included), and it made me wonder what the top dogs at Tesco have thought about this site. Someone at Brackmills printed off some of the Tee-Hee pages and put them on the staff notice board, they did not remain up long, so can anyone tell me if Tesco has commented about this site, and our posts? I know Mcdonalds waited for months before attacking Morgan Spurlock over Supersize Me, but that was down to the fact that what he said was fact, which he appeared to have been careful about.
As we have no connection to the "top dogs" we wouldn't know.
Use your imagination >:D ;D
The Mrs (Administrator)
No, no, I mean anything like notes on the notice board, things said in a meeting, a statement in the paper, something like that was what I meant.
Wouldn't think Tesco would dare to comment on this site anywhere shopfloor jester. It would be seen, probably in their eyes, as an advertisement for it. Pity really would save us having to spread the news ourselves. :P
one of the famous four
North/South divide is being sorted
It would be rather amusing if they did. I wonder what they would say? WE ARE WATCHING YOU ALL, YOU CANNOT HIDE FOREVER. lol.
they are watching, I have spoken to senior head office managers who openly admit they monitor the site as it provides "feedback". as for trying to id people I don't think they would bother unless someone was inciting crime/ unlawful actions.
Feedback? Thats an interesting way of putting it. As for attempting to id people, they would never be able to do it, there is no solid proof to put to any name. But it does make you wonder, if they are watching, what about the man at the top?
Wouldn't surprise me if old uncle Terry is watching, FEEDBACK is only useful if acted upon.
"9 out of 10 cats don't get a choice anyway"
Well said Geniie
Anne (moderator)
Muppetry in motion !
There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
In that case, a message to all management who read this: ACT ON IT.
feedback is a gift ( ;D ).Management at a variety of levels read this - curiosity as much as anything.Big brother is nearly always watching.[:I] :o
If knowledge hangs around your neck like pearls instead of chains you are a lucky man
Perhaps higher MM should make a donation then ??? :) ;D 8)
Nomad ( Forum Admin )
It's better to be up in arms, than down on your knees.
I would be amused if they did, but hey, it does not hurt to ask, right?
Well that person got a final written and cannot transfer to a closer store to where they live because of it.
DACK TO RATH
Death to Tescos Pit tach
quote:
Originally posted by Dack_to_Rath
Well that person got a final written and cannot transfer to a closer store to where they live because of it.
DACK TO RATH
Death to Tescos Pit tach
Because of what ???
I am not a number! I am a free man!
There is no case in law for posting the details on a website such as this. As long as you are not slanderous or lying then that is fine. even if you s**g off the company then by law you are doing nothing wrong as it is your opinion and luckily for us in this country we are allowed to do so !!!
if it's found it could be adding fuel to the fire & give reason for further action. My guess would have to be proceed with caution
That is freakin' sweet
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Dack_to_Rath
Well that person got a final written and cannot transfer to a closer store to where they live because of it.
DACK TO RATH
Death to Tescos Pit tach
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because of what
I am not a number! I am a free man!
The matter was seen and printed of then sent to the store manager of the store. It was said what they had said was negitive and could put tesco in a bad light. So he was suspended and then put on a final wrtiien warning. I think he still works there.
DACK TO RATH
Death to Tescos Pit tach
As long as you are honest then I do not believe there is anything the company can do about it, as much as they might like to!
As for the question of bringing the company in to disrepute, there are many senior managers who do that every day by the way they treat their staff.
So much for values eh Terry?
8)
I dint normally have "Lol" moments but this evening i cracked up during team 5.
It was the 10 to 4 rumble meeting and 2 deliveries in the bay. The warehouseman was taking delivery in on his own again... and was told to be quieter taking in the cages by the store manager!
I laughed and do did half the other managers cause any normal person knows that cages make alot of noise coming off the back of a lorry. The warehouseman then said to him "Move out of the warehouse then if you didn't want noise, cant you see i have two Lorry's in the bay or do you not want me to unload them"
I cracked up. No promotion for me this year i guess for laughing :D
Fair play to the warehouseman he asked us to move out of the way rather than sheepishly pretending we didn't exist.
arent team fives supposed to all take place on the shop floor so we can annoy customers instead?
the 10 to 4 rumble meeting takes place in the warehouse.
The 5 o clock meeting takes place on my favourite aisle :D The spirits and beers :)
Gives me ample time to work out what I'm going to buy later :)
Quote from: nomad on 20-05-05, 12:36AM
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
In answer to the original question, the following is stated on page 43 of the staff handbook; "Any information posted by an employee on a public internet site such as You Tube, My Space or a personal Blog, which refers to Tesco or can be identified with Tesco is prohibited without authorisation from the Stores Director."
The 'such as' part of that statement suggests that the examples given are not all inclusive or exhaustive, so under Tesco Law most people posting on here could and would be subject to disciplinary action :-X I'm an ex-employee, so all the other posts saying that as long as what I say is factual and can be proved would cover my teeny tiny backside ;D
As to whether they
should be subject to disciplinary action, of course not, that's one of the wonderful things about this country, we have freedom of speech! Still, I'd be very, very careful to make sure I couldn't be identified if I was still working for them and wanted to keep my job.
Just on a side note... I remember putting out a leaflet about a paydeal encouraging a no vote....
My manager hauled me up to the office threatening disciplinary action and said I was libelling the company...
I felt it prudent to tell her that all of the facts and figures I put into the leaflet, the majority I got from the company website.
However to be warned.... that was a leaflet directed towards staff within the company. Right or Wrong, companies do take a bad view of employees bad mouthing the company in a public way.
Yes but bad mouthing,are we talking truth bad mouthing or lies?
Tesco's should have nothing to hide...If they are being bad mouthed and its lies then yes they can,just like any normal person prosecute. As for bad mouthing reguarding truth.Would Tesco's WANT to take action? Surely the can of worms is best left closed and ingnored?
Lets just say Tesco's looked at the ''Express Breaks'' thread..Well most of the replies on there are pretty much putting the company down...But would the company act in a prosecuting way,when you can see so many dis-satisfied employees/management?
I think its in the best interests of Tesco's as a company to just ignore staff bad mouthing the company to be honest...As I think in every walk of life you get people moaning about work at some stage or another.To take action over a few dis-grunted staff could just open the can of worms.
That makes sense ISB, and that thread is a prime example of people asking questions and giving everyday examples of issues they face. Also paints the company or at least the format, in a very poor light. As most of them can be proved it would take some very confident lawyers / PR people to take that one any further.
If however it was libelous and patently untrue then I believe the company may well release the dogs...
I don't know if this was mentioned in other/all stores, but we had a Team 5 go out earlier this year warning people about talking about work online (on websites such as facebook and twitter) and urging people not to say negative things about the workplace or colleagues in a public place. I admit i forget what the consequences were, but consequences were outlined.
There is a danger with sites such as facebook. Users forget that their posts can be read by people that they don't know. Some posters have put posts on their pages that are plainly stupid. As an example...a poster announced where they had left their house keys, so that the person they were posting to could feed their pets, whilst they were on holiday... 8-)
MPs to call for ban on companies suing for libel
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=45075&c=1 (http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=45075&c=1)
Such vast amounts of money being paid from one financially sound company to another.
I would have sympathy if the compensation had to be paid to something worthwhile like a UK charity.
Truth be told, I think nobody should be above the Law.
If libellious behaviour is against the law, then why should any body, company, or organisation be above it?
Libel, an untruth, which could affect the standing or future profits of the libelled company. The lawyers get rich. Hardly anyone else cares and the staff usually bear the brunt of any financial penalty. There has to be a fairer, less costly way of settling such disputes, not based on how large a companies war chest is.
Quote from: nomad on 20-05-05, 12:36AM
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Real question, if your site manager posts something on facebook should it be reported ? and how would you expect it to be dealt with ?
I would speak to your Pm about raising a grievance as this sounds like a dignity at work issue.
If I knew someone commented about me like this regardless of how & when they say this then violence maybe in order. >:D
Sorry but that is just so insensitive. >:(
In store it was on Team 5 about a year ago saying anything said on Facebook etc could be used to bring disciplinary action so surely that would count for managers as well.
It should be reported and then an investigation happen followed possibly by a disciplinary. I got pulled due to when I was off sick I had put I was at a BBQ. I had a broken ankle and sat there with my leg up with a couple of nurses there but I still got called into work about it. When I explained they dropped everything and I deleted everyone from work off my friends.
I think I might first submit it anonymously
It was reported (anonymously for now) via email to the PM last wednesday, Im still waiting on a reply.
It got sorted :)
Good to hear. Thanks for updating us all.
http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-news/news-surrey/2010/04/26/insults-about-tesco-shoppers-on-facebook-86289-26319453/ (http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-news/news-surrey/2010/04/26/insults-about-tesco-shoppers-on-facebook-86289-26319453/)
At least this person had the sense not to give any personal details.
They'll be in for it if they are ever caught out though!
IF they ever catch them......
Has it been removed ? I searched facebook for it and couldnt find it :(
At least this individual is doing the right way about it by going annon, I wonder how long it will be until they are caught because in a way unless someone confesses to doing it or manage to give away their email addy, it's going to be a long wild goose chase for powers above. :o In a way you do have give credit to this indidvidual for being so brave, even if fellow colleages are being insulted, but then again we don't know the whole story of what goes on in this store, it could be just BS from a nerdy checkout chappy/chick who's still currently living with their mom that has plenty of time on their hands to insult the imperfect world of dispondent personell who look downwards to them.
However the uberdooper management comment does sound familiar. :d:
OK lets get to the point, if you post info on here tesco will READ IT, you must make sure what you post can be proved and you can support your claim, you can expect the big guns to put LOTS of pressure on ya, which they will do.
They do it to bigger fish than GAs so expect the same response.
Raster
"you can expect the big guns to put LOTS of pressure on ya, which they will do."
Only if a post is libelous or defamatory. The law grants everyone the right to free association to discuss issues and exchange opinions.
And VLH does all it can to preserve your anonymity.
Talking of libelous, I seem to remember a case not long ago where a judge ruled that an honestly held and expressed opinion was not libel, but just that an opinion.
But my memory may be failing me :o
The new handbook is out and gives details about what you can and cant post on the internet such as Facebook, twitter and the like.
We had someone halled into the office about posting on the internet and told to remove it.
Quote from: redragon on 16-10-10, 03:36PM
The new handbook is out
In what way "out"? No sign of any such thing here.
Do you mean the updated handbook that was given out with payslips a few months ago?
Yes, the 'new/updated' version of the handbook states that, any bullying or bringing the company into disrepute via social networking sites, would be dealt with via disciplinary means etc. Was brought out approx 6-8 weeks ago now :)
It's the Khmer Rouge of retail.
Ah! The *old* new handbook. I thought you meant there had been a new, new handbook.
Fargone. Do you mean they're leaving their staff Pol Potless?
The bottom line is that people can't voice an opinion.
Quote from: gomezz on 17-10-10, 12:36PM
Ah! The *old* new handbook. I thought you meant there had been a new, new handbook.
New, dont think they know the meaning of new. Refurbished maybe, but never new. I would bet that the "new" one is made from refurbished "old handbooks".
I havent seen a new handbook since 2003 and it was out of date then :(
takes me all my time to get a wage slip
hi guys wonder if you could help me can't seem to see how to start new thread anywere on my page.
but issue I have is as follows:
I am on prolonged sick at the moment caused by tesco, and also have a GRIEVANCE in with over 20 points ranging from (DIGNITY AT WORK, SYA, LACK SUPPORT WHILE AT WORK AND ON SICK SYSTEMATIC FAILINGS ON SO SO MANY ACCOUNTS THAT I HAVE ONLY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE HERE)
I can never ever see myself working for such a poor company again.
I have the Unions solicitor involved but would prefer to negotiate myself, options I have come up with so far are:
1. Severance package including compensation with a compromise agreement ( do tesco do such a thing)
2. Financial compensation for illness and Suffering plus pay to be made up from SSP to full pay for all months been ill. (yet again not sure if tesco would do that)
be interested in your thoughts options, that may be available or if you have any feedback on employees whom have similar story
for obvious reasons can't go into specifics or location etc etc
Union stance is got a rock solid case though
thanks guys
[admin]You can start new topics (and many other things) if you become a supporter (less than 4p a week). This topic is not suitable for your question(s). Nomad[/admin]
parmoking Tesco will not terminate your for long term sickness until ALL grievances have been aired
Occupational health will refuse to assess you until these outstanding grievances have been resolved
I feel that your expectations will not be met regarding the extent of the "damage" done to you by the company.
Once the lawyers get hold of it you will find that the law is totally unfair as they deal in cold hard facts & Tesco have an excellent legal dept that will know you & your employment history very well. ou will be surprised at what details they will throw at you
Personally I would go for a "no win - no fee" firms....as the union prefer to settle early so they can say they gained x amount of compensation for their membership. (this is my personal opinion)
hope all goes well
ps - the process will also take years to resolve - this is a tactic that the company use..even ignoring all communication from your solicitors until the matter is put in front of a judge...when they will ask for more time
if my depot were to realise who i am on here can they sack me for what i write.?
i will not s**g staff off or be abusive to staff on here but just to be truthful.
i would just like to know if the depot have the right to view the users on here?..
i wish to state i only wish to check we are safe to say how we feel we are treated.
if i feel a certain person/manager is being unfair can i just use initials?
thanks
If you defame/libel a person or a company and they can prove that you have, then you would need to be prepared to shoulder any consequences, and if they are able to prove that they have suffered a financial loss then the consequences could be considerable.
Truthful, in the event of any civil/criminal action you must be able to prove that what you consider the truth is in fact the case.
Anyone can view VLH, but can only see what you can see (or less).
Initials, VLH is not intended for members to try to identify on the net those persons they disagree with at any particular time, 'my manager' or 'a manager' is sufficient. If you do not wish to be identified why would you think it fair to be able to partly identify them.
Judge a man by his questions, rather than his answers.
>:D >:D I,m wondering if anyone can help me please. I've done 20yrs with T..co. having worked Days/nights, and during that time have don e most jobs except checkouts I am now on nights.. We had some problems in our store about 15mths ago when there were 4 people about to retire. the Mgr on Nights and our P.M. made their lives awful. picking on them by saying "you,re 2 slow". you,re not completing the job properly, everyone else seems to manage on your aisle, what cant you.?? etc.etc. well now I,m comking up for retirement, and my aisle is being checked to see if I,ve missed anything on the top shelves, apparently I dont inspire my Night Managers confidence, and I,m hard of hearing, so when the crappy music blares out at night (I,m right under a speaker) I take my hearing aids out. I,m now told why arent I answering when shouted down the aisle, when I explained the situation , no apology, nothing.. Am I being intimidated, or am I being Paranoid and just feeling that I,m being picked on.,.?? thanks for anyone.s help. Oh our Night mgr has been heard to say " t6he trouble with our Night time is that there are too many oldies and fatties ;!! :D :D
performance is managed on an individuals "capabilities". if u feel your performance is being questioned ,ask for a union rep . if u feel intimidated ,ask for a union rep .if u feel managers are using immoral practices to get rid of staff ,ask for a union rep . That's what u pay them for .do not allow yourself to be pushed out before u retire
Thanks anfield.
Regarding the Social Media Policy;
As per the current policy, "Treat people with respect and avoid speaking negatively about other people, companies or organisations."
Has anyone found the ambiguousness of this troublesome?
If, God forbid I were to enter a heated debate possibly using profanity and insults with a random Internet person could the company discipline me as breaching this policy even if tesco had no bearing involvement or mention in said altercation?
If you were identifiable as a Tesco employee, then probably.
A copy of a letter/e-mail sent to The board of directors yesterday..... (Dave Lewis/Alison Horner/Jill Easterbrook & Mike Mcnamara)
I am a manager at Tesco Teesport, at the Teesside Distribution Center at Middlesbrough.
I have worked there for a number of years and now urgently need to advise yourselves of the serious problems that are apparent at the site, specifically on Night Shift. Day shifts are also affected in similar ways, but I work Nights and can only vouch for my experiences, even though talking to colleagues, day shifts have the similar faults.
We are currently being actively encouraged to provoke staff verbally, by senior management. In an attempt to deal with individuals who are currently being supported via support plans due to varying ailments. This is to ultimately obtain a violent or verbal response and enable the removal of these staff under gross misconduct. Personnel are unable to deal with the increasing number of fit notes / support plans due to work related stress. They simply bury their heads in the sand, hoping the issues at Teesport will go away.
You need to speak to individuals on night shift (see below) at Teesport who will give you clear and concise reports of this ongoing intimidation.
NAMES WITHELD
There is no way that that the above post could possibly be construed as Bringing the company into disrepute. However the comments and actions of senior team at Teesport most certainly do bring the company into disrepute and those making these comments should be dealt with accordingly by Mr. Lewis, this in turn should lead to their instant dismissal in my opinion. Of course they could only be following the instructions they have been given from the gods at H.O. ??? ??? ???
Is big girlfriend still shift manager there ?
I would always advise everyone to be careful what you say, but if it came to libel the company would be required to prove they have suffered loss or detriment as a result of your words and actions and proving the company had been brought into disrepute could be tough for them. The Tesco handbook (which is part of your t and c's) is a beautifully vague document which would be a delight to Barristers and Solicitors everywhere, guaranteeing them hours of well paid discourse. Whistle blowing is covered by law and some very specific legislation. Generally slagging people off and identifying them in public (apart from those who live and die by their public persona)....how rude, you should always give someone the right to a verbal punch up first ;). But having an opinion, I believe we all have a right to that. I would be fascinated to know to what extent all those leaving the company by redundancy are gagged and bound by the paperwork we sign. I believe you are required to give up all right to legal action against the company, but I'm not sure how enforceable that actually is (the whole unfair contracts and other rights under enacted legislation thingy).
I realise this is an old thread, but I just found it searching for something for a colleague of mine and wanted to add this resource to anyone else that stumbles across this.
If you are looking for information on Settlement Agreements (the new name for Compromise Agreements) then there is a awful lot of information here (possible) more than you need: http://www.settlementagreement.org (http://www.settlementagreement.org)
[admin]Not sure that what you have posted has any connection to "Hypothetical Question". Nomad[/admin]
Sadly Destine 456 you have just confirmed that which has been widely rumoured following a major meeting several Mondays ago. It is said (from a reliable source) that this was an "ambiguous directive" from Head Office at that meeting. Again, sadly I think all you can do is what you have done, send a Grievance directly to Head Office although I fear what good that will do. Following all the problems that place has suffered over the last few years it seems Head Offices preferred course of action is to mime whilst the choir sing. In the mean time I do hope you have told the night shift Managers you will take no part in this what must be illegal action.
if this is an example of dave lewis mission statement of repairing the mistrust between managers and colleagues then TESCO have a very very very very very long way too go... (-*-)
I think that a lot of these managers need to remember, that if they end up being physically attacked by a member of staff, then no one is coming to their rescue.
I wouldn't condone violence as a resolution as that would be just helping them to achieve their goal.
I believe this DC has from day one had a culture of bullying and it has throughout remained unchecked. It's evident that the senior management can act as they wish with impunity and I don't believe that anyone is more bullied than the team managers. Fearful of been further bullied I believe they just do as they are told to avoid the long conversation with regards to their long term prospect with the company.
Quote from: tiptop on 28-08-16, 06:57PM
if this is an example of dave lewis mission statement of repairing the mistrust between managers and colleagues then TESCO have a very very very very very long way too go... (-*-)
Could not agree more tiptop. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Forget getting the colleagues to attack you, can there be a legal way of "managing somebody out of the business?" and if this is going on as it apparently seems to be going on what are Tesdaw doing about it?
Quote from: Nomad on 20-05-05, 12:36AM
Would be grateful for all your learned opinions. No wise cracks or jokes (they will be deleted), stick to the point please.
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Also: In your opinion what const*tutes bringing the company into disrepute.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
yes they can, and cases have gone to court and ruled in the Employer favour . The company has the right to protect itself and its employees. just because someone on social media said something about a company or employee does mean it true
http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/what-are-human-rights/videos/freedom-of-expression.html (http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/what-are-human-rights/videos/freedom-of-expression.html)
QuoteEveryone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
I believe this subject is not as clear cut as some like to portray. There has been, I believe, libel cases that have failed in this country due to the 'right to an opinion' being upheld and/or the alleged libel being found to be true. One being a famous model and drug taking.
Why would there be any need for disciplinary action or legal action if what has been said is true?
Unless confidential business information has been given away.
But has there ever been such a case where what has been posted has been proven to be true?
Quote from: Nomad on 20-05-05, 12:36AM
Would be grateful for all your learned opinions. No wise cracks or jokes (they will be deleted), stick to the point please.
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Also: In your opinion what const*tutes bringing the company into disrepute.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
There really is no such thing as freedom of speech within bounds.
It is and should be necessary to express your opinion of experience toward a person in position of so called authority. It is essential in that it prevents such authority from becoming a law unto them self where corruption can prosper, not saying that it does, just that it has the potential.
Any opinion that is not in favour of or positive toward can be construed as bringing something into 'disrepute'. Therefore Tesco senior management have decided that colleagues, no matter their experience, short term or long term have no right to publicly air their opinion if not portraying a positive view to the business. This is dangerous ground and is a totalitarian way of operating.
Shut up or say something nice, even if what you experience is not nice, so long as you keep it to yourself.
Money makes money, hatred begets hatred, violence begets more violence etc., etc., if you want to be liked and seen as nice, then you need to be nice to your colleagues otherwise it's all a grand lie like most of the political, entertainment industrial system and it's paedophile, cannibalistic rulers *(apparently 8-)).
What's the point of having an opinion any more anyway, money talks and it's the only voice that reverberates around this planet and business, so if money told you to be nice, you be nice or you get your ass kicked.
Evil has no real opposition and has flourished.
Tesco's view of personal opinions often reminds me of "Big Brother" from 1984. It's always a case of tow the line regardless of how bad things are.
Always makes me laugh when people go on about freedom of speech - there is no such thing in British law, freedom of speech is a concept built into the US constitution but quoted by people here who have been exposed to too much US media.
What is enshrined in British Law is freedom of expression (supplemented by EU human rights law) and it's quite a different thing. The fundamental difference is that the UK rights are conditional - you can express yourself however you like as long as you don't upset anybody else by doing so. In the US, you have the inalienable right to say whatever you please which implies the right to offend others even if they don't agree, a principle deemed essential to democracy by the founding fathers thus built into the constitution. This is precisely why the liberal movement in the US has for some time been making noise to amend the constitution - they want an EU style law so they have the right to be offended which would be abused to stifle freedom of speech.
What you see in Tesco is the natural result of human behaviour from interpretation of freedom of expression law - in other words, manipulation.
Quote from: Nomad on 20-05-05, 12:36AM
Would be grateful for all your learned opinions. No wise cracks or jokes (they will be deleted), stick to the point please.
Hypothetical ??? : if a person posts on here or on the public side a post that criticises the management and their way of doing things, and/or the way they have been treated by management. Should they be subject to disciplinary action.
Also: In your opinion what const*tutes bringing the company into disrepute.
Nomad ( Webmaster )
As they say one mans right is another mans wrong.to be honest how could anyone criticise a member of Tosco Mangement they are perfect in every way (Or so they think) The ironic thing is the way they walk around as if they are Gods gift to retail truth be told most of them would not last a week outside the Tosco bubble
GasMonkey has touched on the principle that it can be a matter of what one is not saying, examples-
Some people think the board are crooks, I can't image why :o :)
It's alleged MM do not have a clue, so I've heard :-X
Is it possible Tesco deliberately over charge customers :question: 8-)
Quote from: Nomad on 23-10-17, 10:31AM
Is it possible Tesco deliberately over charge customers :question: 8-)
I would doubt that very much, not because I trust them, but because of the absolute shitstorm there would be if it ever came to light it was happening, and that any Director / Manager who had sanctioned any such deliberate policy would be hung out to dry, and passed over to the police.
Hibsdaft, I think you may not have read all my post and therefore not grasp the point I was making. However would a deliberate overcharging scandal be similar to an accounting error or horse meat sales, so of course they would never do it 8-) :)