Investor tells Royal Mail to deliver on bullying

THE unfolding bullying affair at Royal Mail is threatening to tarnish a stellar year for its shares.

The Mail o n Sunday revealed last month that new boss Simon Thompson has vowed to root out longstanding bullying problems at the former state monopoly. The pledge has emboldened a wave of employees to share their harrowing claims, with many alleging they have been victims of verbal assaults or forced to take on too much work.

Now one of the company’s investors, Edentree Investment Management, has expressed concern.

Edentree’s Neville White said it plans to speak to the firm about the issue, adding: ‘During the pandemic, the Royal Mail has delivered for the country despite having to overcome sickness within its own workforce and as investors we commend the dedication of our postal workers.

‘To that end, we support efforts that drive out all forms of bullying at the company.’

THE French biotech Val neva is busily manufacturing its Covid- 19 vaccine in Scotland and this week took advantage of positive sentiment on pharma stocks to float on the Nasdaq.

The firm, also listed on Euronext, raised $93.5 million (£67 million) through the listing. It handed chief executive Thomas Lingelbach and finance boss David Lawrence stock worth nearly $3 million each.

The latter hit headlines when he was fined for speeding at 108mph in the Scottish Highlands as he raced home to Edinburgh for a meeting with Ministers last year.

The float will mark a handy sign- off for Lawrence, who is retiring, and describes himself as a Scotch malt whisky fan.