‘Heartless’ employer criticised

A MAN has labelled his ex-employer “heartless” for the way he says they have treated staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

After working at Peacocks head office in Cardiff for more than 18 months, he and many others lost their jobs on Tuesday, March 10, due to the crisis surrounding Covid-19.

The cuts came a few days before the Government announced the furlough scheme, which sees HM Revenue and Customs pay employers a grant to cover 80% of an employee’s usual wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, whilst they are temporarily laid off.

The employee, who asked not to be identified, said: “I’ve asked to be reinstated and placed on furlough during these troubling times.

“I have even suggested, once this is all over, they can lay me off once again, but just to allow me that saving grace of having help from the Government, during a time that is both frightening and unknown.

“I have since tried reaching out to my company via e-mails to HR and line managers, but have not been able to get through, and have not received any replies. This feels like a total lack of respect by failing to engage or acknowledge any communication.

“I have many outgoings that will just eat away at my money. When we come out of this crisis, I will have no money, not able to offer support to my parents, and no job.

“This is hard enough and troubling for myself, so I can imagine all the other members of staff that were let go throughout the company. More than 100 redundancies altogether. They have no idea that such a little grace period as three months, would be an unfathomable amount of help.

“And I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I’d be happy to be let go again, if it meant financial help during this crisis. The company does not seem to want to help us with stepping on to the furlough scheme, giving us the Government help that is offered to the many.

“This can only be seen as further heartlessness of a company owned by a billionaire.”

The Echo contacted EWM Group, which Peacocks is a part of.

The company has previously been quoted addressing the matter of considering re-hiring its staff it made redundant and placing them on the Government-backed furlough leave to News & Star, which reports on a similar issue.

“It sounds easy on the face of it, but it is a lot more complicated, and unclear,” a spokesman said.

“We also have to be honest with both the members of staff and the Government. If we did re-hire, we would have to go through the painful process of making these people redundant again after three months. We would also be claiming Government funding to pay for the bulk of people’s wages who we know we will ultimately be making redundant.

“That isn’t really fair on anyone.”