Companies & The Rich and Powerful Acting Despicably - Lest We Forget

I think we should make a point of highlighting non-football Companies (as those are covered on another thread), plus the rich and powerful, that are acting the most despicably during this time of crisis.

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What got me thinking about this is that the behaviour of Tim Martin (estimated wealth, ~£500m), the founder of JD Wetherspoons, seems to get worse as each day passes.

He's already stated that he will not pay his staff until the money arrives from the government to help him out, and he's now refusing to pay suppliers bills (those that have already delivered goods and to whom he owes the money) until his chain of pubs is allowed to re-open.

He's already on record as saying that closing down pubs and restaurants was an over-reaction in the first place, presumably caring a lot more about increasing his wealth than the health of his customers and staff.

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it's up to everybody to choose what they do, and I'm not imposing my viewpoint on anybody else, but I'll never set foot in one of his 'restaurants' again.


Lest We Forget

Have you noticed 95% of workers still required to attend work are amongst the poorest paid.

It’s almost as if Tim Martin is a total p****.

Who knew eh?

:wink:

Coylumbridge hotel firing their staff and evicting them with a particularly unpleasant letter.

Britannia hotels - you'll get through this with government help, but you don't deserve to.

Could we have a thread for companies that have helped out too, might cheer us up a bit!

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

I think we should make a point of highlighting non-football Companies (as those are covered on another thread), plus the rich and powerful, that are acting the most despicably during this time of crisis.

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What got me thinking about this is that the behaviour of Tim Martin (estimated wealth, ~£500m), the founder of JD Wetherspoons, seems to get worse as each day passes.

He's already stated that he will not pay his staff until the money arrives from the government to help him out, and he's now refusing to pay suppliers bills (those that have already delivered goods and to whom he owes the money) until his chain of pubs is allowed to re-open.

He's already on record as saying that closing down pubs and restaurants was an over-reaction in the first place, presumably caring a lot more about increasing his wealth than the health of his customers and staff.

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it's up to everybody to choose what they do, and I'm not imposing my viewpoint on anybody else, but I'll never set foot in one of his 'restaurants' again.


Lest We Forget

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He also told his staff to go and work part time in Tesco until the contagion passes :rolleyes:

Richard Branson, Virgin Airlines. His personal wealth is £3.8 Billion.

The guy who once sued the NHS for £2 million now runs to the government looking for a bail out. This after telling his staff to take 8 weeks unpaid leave or be made redundant.

Despicable human being.

Mike Ashley Sports Direct trying to make out his employees priority workers then jacking his prices :confused:

Ended up closing all his stores

If it’s specifically non football related companies why’s it in the main football board!?

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Originally Posted by Groathillgrump

Richard Branson, Virgin Airlines. His personal wealth is £3.8 Billion.

The guy who once sued the NHS for £2 million now runs to the government looking for a bail out. This after telling his staff to take 8 weeks unpaid leave or be made redundant.

Despicable human being.

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Agree total weapon can I ask why did he sue the NHS?

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Originally Posted by WhileTheChief..

If it’s specifically non football related companies why’s it in the main football board!?

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Everything's in the Football Board just now

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

Everything's in the Football Board just now

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Is that because of the Coronavirus? :greengrin

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Originally Posted by WoreTheGreen

Agree total weapon can I ask why did he sue the NHS?

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His Virgin Care company lost out on an £82 million NHS contract then argued that there were flaws in the way that the contract was awarded to the successful company.

Cheers for that maybe these blood sucking companies reap what they sow when things level out. Leaches

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Originally Posted by Groathillgrump

Richard Branson, Virgin Airlines. His personal wealth is £3.8 Billion.

The guy who once sued the NHS for £2 million now runs to the government looking for a bail out. This after telling his staff to take 8 weeks unpaid leave or be made redundant.

Despicable human being.

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Definitely No 1 horrible human being. Why does anybody need 3.8 billion.

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Originally Posted by Kojock

Definitely No 1 horrible human being. Why does anybody need 3.8 billion.

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As a famous man once said “you can only eat one steak pie at a time “

I was speaking about this today with an MP and it’s absolutely shocking treatment of people and suppliers. The sad things is that it shows that people are just commodities to dispose off without any care. I for one won’t step in one his bars and restaurants again.

Social enterprises are the future of work for people as they only exist to support local communities and the people in them and not greedy shareholders.

Just read a article saying that Gordon Ramsey has let go 500 staff at his restaurants, this is despite the government being willing to fund there salaries for the next 3 months. These people will have no chance of finding employment in the next 3 months.

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Originally Posted by Kojock

Definitely No 1 horrible human being. Why does anybody need 3.8 billion.

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Yup. The worst part is he's avoided scrutiny for years. He's somehow managed to paint the himself as Mr Niceguy, man of the people rather than another Philip Green, minus the sexual harassment.

Its always a tough one this, because whenever you call to boycott a business it has to be considered that if said boycott is successful folk could well lose their jobs ... at the end of the day the Tim Martins and Richard Bransons will sod off into the sunset with their fortunes intact and not give their ex employees any more thought than they do now.

But when you think about it perhaps in the long run the folk who do work for Wetherspoons or Sports Direct would be better off in alternative employment and have plenty of time to re train or find better more sustainable employment ... its unusual to see anybody under 30 working in a Wetherspoons or Sports Direct, time is on their side ... you are probably doing them a favour. I am not suggesting the job they do isn't without merit, it clearly is, the folk in Wetherspoons seem to work like dogs.

But these greedy arrogant pricks need to be taught a lesson, their attitude in this time of crisis shows what a bunch of self entitled out of touch selfish *******s they really are and a bit of shaming when the time comes wont go amiss if you ask me. Their businesses going tits up will hit them where it hurts most, their egos ... look at Tim Martin pontificating to everybody in his in house magazine as if his opinion was solid gold, Branson with his Peter Griffin like 'look at me' stunts and Ashley who was an arrogant twat before any of this started.

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Originally Posted by WhileTheChief..

If it’s specifically non football related companies why’s it in the main football board!?

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Yes, seems bizarre. Holy Ground thread surely.

FWIW tho there are far more good news stories to be found within the private sector at this time of crisis, in particular the way production lines are being converted to provide vital resources - perhaps most importantly hospital equipment and protective clothing for frontline health workers.

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Originally Posted by hibee

Could we have a thread for companies that have helped out too, might cheer us up a bit!

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Indeed.

Pretty much all of them hide their money offshore in a network of fiscal paradises that our kingdom created. Ultimately, this stops governments taking the action that needs to be taken in moments of imminent peril as a large % of wealth is hidden away were it cannot be put to any useful purpose. Not to mention the giving up of control over currencies, credit and banking systems. A huge amount of blood is on the hands of the generations of politicians who have weakened the role of the state. ****.

Alot of workers here at avon cosmetics are not happy at still having to come to work.

Every manager or team coordinator are not coming to work but the workers are, most of us are agency workers on £8.25 an hour.

We have had no hand sanitizer for the past 3 days but then a health and safety rep makes there own which when squirts out is just water.

I dislike companies like Wetherspoons and Sports Direct as much as the next man. However, mass boycotts after this is over is just going to mean it’s the employees who suffer.

Mike Ashley, Richard Branson and the twat who runs Wetherspoons, sitting on millions/billions, aren’t the ones who really suffer.

There are numerous booking companies still arranging for people to travel to and stay in the Scottish Highlands. Do they not realise just how scarce resources are there? The local medical infrastructure simply can't cope with any kind of mass outbreak at all. It's the height of irresponsibility.

I suppose when the 1st in line to the throne ignores the government and sods off to his mother's holiday home then you can't expect Joe Public to act any differently.

Add all G1 pubs ghillie dhu, golf tavern, 3 sisters etc. Cineworld. Did McDonald’s not announce something too.

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Originally Posted by Pretty Boy

There are numerous booking companies still arranging for people to travel to and stay in the Scottish Highlands. Do they not realise just how scarce resources are there? The local medical infrastructure simply can't cope with any kind of mass outbreak at all. It's the height of irresponsibility.

I suppose when the 1st in line to the throne ignores the government and sods off to his mother's holiday home then you can't expect Joe Public to act any differently.

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If the family and friends I’ve been talking to on Islay are anything to go by no visitors will be getting a traditional Island welcome any time soon. They’ll be lucky to make it off the ferry. :greengrin

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Originally Posted by marinello59

If the family and friends I’ve been talking to on Islay are anything to go by no visitors will be getting a traditional Island welcome any time soon. They’ll be lucky to make it off the ferry. :greengrin

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My mum and her pal were booked to go over in a couple of weeks. Since they are not dicks, they cancelled.

Feel sorry for frontline staff when Charles swans up to his hide away and suddenly fulfills criteria for the coronavirus.Totaly out of order.

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

I think we should make a point of highlighting non-football Companies (as those are covered on another thread), plus the rich and powerful, that are acting the most despicably during this time of crisis.

---

What got me thinking about this is that the behaviour of Tim Martin (estimated wealth, ~£500m), the founder of JD Wetherspoons, seems to get worse as each day passes.

He's already stated that he will not pay his staff until the money arrives from the government to help him out, and he's now refusing to pay suppliers bills (those that have already delivered goods and to whom he owes the money) until his chain of pubs is allowed to re-open.

He's already on record as saying that closing down pubs and restaurants was an over-reaction in the first place, presumably caring a lot more about increasing his wealth than the health of his customers and staff.

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it's up to everybody to choose what they do, and I'm not imposing my viewpoint on anybody else, but I'll never set foot in one of his 'restaurants' again.


Lest We Forget

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I definitely won't be in a wetherspoons or a Britannia hotel again.

Spoons is a no brainer re spoons now. Looking forward to supporting the smaller local pubs even more.

There's a few other businesses I've avoided before, there's always a better alternative around.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by staunchhibby

Feel sorry for frontline staff when Charles swans up to his hide away and suddenly fulfills criteria for the coronavirus.Totaly out of order.

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I’m no apologist for royalty but, on this occasion, I have to be. Charles owns a house in the highlands. He is therefore entirely within his rights to choose to stay there. If he then finds he is showing symptoms and falls in to the category for testing, then he is entitled to be tested. His actions are now being torn apart by people with an agenda. I am not sure this is the forum for that debate.

If I owned a house in remote Deeside and I was of independent means, sure as hell I’d move there too in this crisis. It’s not as if he kicked someone out of their home to move in. That was his ancestors who did that.

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Originally Posted by CentreLine

I’m no apologist for royalty but, on this occasion, I have to be. Charles owns a house in the highlands. He is therefore entirely within his rights to choose to stay there.

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Government guidance was for everyone to stay at their main address though. Not all disappear to their holiday home.

It’s not a case of him jumping in his car in perfect isolation to get up there either. Dozens of folk will have come in to contact with him so that he could have a safe, comfortable journey.

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Originally Posted by CentreLine

I’m no apologist for royalty but, on this occasion, I have to be. Charles owns a house in the highlands. He is therefore entirely within his rights to choose to stay there. If he then finds he is showing symptoms and falls in to the category for testing, then he is entitled to be tested. His actions are now being torn apart by people with an agenda. I am not sure this is the forum for that debate.

If I owned a house in remote Deeside and I was of independent means, sure as hell I’d move there too in this crisis. It’s not as if he kicked someone out of their home to move in. That was his ancestors who did that.

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One of the general criticisms made was that people with holiday properties were moving from populated centres to rural locations (across the UK) and risking transmitting the virus into those communities. He is fair game for this criticism.

If the argument is that the monarch and heir are both in risk groups and should be separated I can see why he would move but given their property folio they have access to it didn’t need to be rural Deeside or Devon


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by CentreLine

I’m no apologist for royalty but, on this occasion, I have to be. Charles owns a house in the highlands. He is therefore entirely within his rights to choose to stay there. If he then finds he is showing symptoms and falls in to the category for testing, then he is entitled to be tested. His actions are now being torn apart by people with an agenda. I am not sure this is the forum for that debate.

If I owned a house in remote Deeside and I was of independent means, sure as hell I’d move there too in this crisis. It’s not as if he kicked someone out of their home to move in. That was his ancestors who did that.

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He hardly just legged it up the motorway with Camilla with a couple of suitcases in the back of his Rover.

He would have arrived by RAF plane with a full entrouage of many people (estimated at 10) traveling from the worst affected place in England.

Hence there are now many more possible carriers in a vulnerable part of Scotland who must have had contact with local people and who have now put their community at risk compared to absolutely none had he followed specific government advice to stay in your principal residence.

Scotland is just playground for these people and their support staff and they don't give a flying fck for the people that live here.

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Originally Posted by staunchhibby

Feel sorry for frontline staff when Charles swans up to his hide away and suddenly fulfills criteria for the coronavirus.Totaly out of order.

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:agree: Hancock already spouts enough nonsense day after day, without Calderwood joining in yesterday.

According to the guy on the news, he had symptoms over the weekend and was tested on Monday. It was over the weekend he traveled so he had symptoms at that point. That's putting aside the fact that the Highlands were being specifically blacklisted for travel as the NHS there can be too quickly overwhelmed.

I don't generally mind any of the individual royals, although I'm no fan of the system. In this case, I think it's selfish and showing a disregard for the rules that 99% of people are being asked to follow.

I'm not sure how the testing criteria works, but in my opinion anyone with symptoms is to isolate anyway - using a test to see if it's Covid-19 or just a cold is a waste. Test the frontline workers who have zero symptoms and confirm they don't have any underlying virus about to come to the fore first.

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Originally Posted by CentreLine

I’m no apologist for royalty but, on this occasion, I have to be. Charles owns a house in the highlands. He is therefore entirely within his rights to choose to stay there. If he then finds he is showing symptoms and falls in to the category for testing, then he is entitled to be tested. His actions are now being torn apart by people with an agenda. I am not sure this is the forum for that debate.

If I owned a house in remote Deeside and I was of independent means, sure as hell I’d move there too in this crisis. It’s not as if he kicked someone out of their home to move in. That was his ancestors who did that.

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Better dig yourself another hole.

Hi all. There have been some concerns raised about police stopping people coming into work. For now a letter is not a requirement enforced by the government, however if you do get stopped on your way to/back from work please tell them you work at Corby Avon Distribution centre, for Avon Cosmetics. If there is the need for someone else to confirm it, please call us and we'll speak to them. Thank you

Text I just got from the agency, I guess we all work till we catch this virus.

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Originally Posted by NAE NOOKIE

Its always a tough one this, because whenever you call to boycott a business it has to be considered that if said boycott is successful folk could well lose their jobs ... at the end of the day the Tim Martins and Richard Bransons will sod off into the sunset with their fortunes intact and not give their ex employees any more thought than they do now.

But when you think about it perhaps in the long run the folk who do work for Wetherspoons or Sports Direct would be better off in alternative employment and have plenty of time to re train or find better more sustainable employment ... its unusual to see anybody under 30 working in a Wetherspoons or Sports Direct, time is on their side ... you are probably doing them a favour. I am not suggesting the job they do isn't without merit, it clearly is, the folk in Wetherspoons seem to work like dogs.

But these greedy arrogant pricks need to be taught a lesson, their attitude in this time of crisis shows what a bunch of self entitled out of touch selfish *******s they really are and a bit of shaming when the time comes wont go amiss if you ask me. Their businesses going tits up will hit them where it hurts most, their egos ... look at Tim Martin pontificating to everybody in his in house magazine as if his opinion was solid gold, Branson with his Peter Griffin like 'look at me' stunts and Ashley who was an arrogant twat before any of this started.

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I get the point, but now that he's laid off all his staff anyway, it's not really going to affect them.

If we all started frequenting businesses that actually did show some concern for their workers, they would hopefully take off and provide employment to the people that rats like Martin have abandoned so despicably.

Waterstones added to the list too!

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

I get the point, but now that he's laid off all his staff anyway, it's not really going to affect them.

If we all started frequenting businesses that actually did show some concern for their workers, they would hopefully take off and provide employment to the people that rats like Martin have abandoned so despicably.

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Agreed about Wetherspoons staff, hopefully the ones who do find work in TESCO will be happy to stay there and not return to him.

In Galashiels where I live the Wetherspoons is practically the only place you can go for cheap drink and cheap food, but after this I'm pretty sure I'll be sucking up the extra cost and using different pubs, if any of them survive of course. Worse luck, if you want sports equipment the only outlet in the Borders, never mind Galashiels, is the Sports Direct in Gala.

Thankfully Virgin Atlantic don't have a route out of Gala international airport :greengrin

My daughter's partner works for Cycle Republic who are owned by Halfords. He sells bikes and is not involved in any repairs. A couple of weeks ago they were all told Halfords were shutting the division down and they were all getting paid off. This will take effect from May.

He had to work on Sunday and Monday then the store closed. They were exceptionally busy with people who couldn't go to the gym.

He has been text saying he MUST go to work tomorrow despite explaining to them that he lives with 2 people who are on the danger list.

Obviously nothing to do with providing an essential service and all to do with profit.

Add them to the list of boycott shops.

On a lighter note does anyone know where the phrase boycott came from?

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Originally Posted by PatHead

On a lighter note does anyone know where the phrase boycott came from?

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Yeah, I looked it up years ago, can't remember why though. As sad as it is, I love to know the origins of things like this.

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Originally Posted by easty

Yeah, I looked it up years ago, can't remember why though. As sad as it is, I love to know the origins of things like this.

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I just found out when reading a book about Irish history. Like you, love a wee obscure fact.

This only comes under the category of a bit annoying rather than insanely reckless but easyjet are doing my head in.

They have grounded their fleet apart from a few planes operating out of London. Rather than cancel the flights they know won't fly they are marking them as "sold out" and cancelling them in dribs and drabs a couple of days ahead. They do their level best to hide the fact that customers are due a full refund for a cancellation and try and get you to rebook for a different flight. **** that - who knows what lies ahead for any given destination in the next year?

Even when you know the flight is cancelled and you are due a refund, folk are reporting that the only way to actually get one is via their call centre with waits of at least several hours if you ever get through!

It would be dead easy for them to add cancel and refund on their website (they did this for the ash cloud), so the fact that they're not doing it is totally sharp practice to hang onto customers' cash.

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Originally Posted by The Baldmans Comb

He hardly just legged it up the motorway with Camilla with a couple of suitcases in the back of his Rover.

He would have arrived by RAF plane with a full entrouage of many people (estimated at 10) traveling from the worst affected place in England.

Hence there are now many more possible carriers in a vulnerable part of Scotland who must have had contact with local people and who have now put their community at risk compared to absolutely none had he followed specific government advice to stay in your principal residence.

Scotland is just playground for these people and their support staff and they don't give a flying fck for the people that live here.

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It's not just the entrouage coming up from London. While there are no royals at Balmoral it will have been ticking over with minimal staff. With viral Charlie making an appearance that will have been ramped up with locals.

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

This only comes under the category of a bit annoying rather than insanely reckless but easyjet are doing my head in.

They have grounded their fleet apart from a few planes operating out of London. Rather than cancel the flights they know won't fly they are marking them as "sold out" and cancelling them in dribs and drabs a couple of days ahead. They do their level best to hide the fact that customers are due a full refund for a cancellation and try and get you to rebook for a different flight. **** that - who knows what lies ahead for any given destination in the next year?

Even when you know the flight is cancelled and you are due a refund, folk are reporting that the only way to actually get one is via their call centre with waits of at least several hours if you ever get through!

It would be dead easy for them to add cancel and refund on their website (they did this for the ash cloud), so the fact that they're not doing it is totally sharp practice to hang onto customers' cash.

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They had the cancel and refund on website last week. I work in travel trying to sort many EasyJet flights, haven’t got through to contact centre all week.

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Originally Posted by DJ HIBBY

They had the cancel and refund on website last week. I work in travel trying to sort many EasyJet flights, haven’t got through to contact centre all week.

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Do you know how long you have after the cancellation to claim a refund? Is it time limited?

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

Do you know how long you have after the cancellation to claim a refund? Is it time limited?

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Good question, if we ever get to speak to EasyJet I will let you know. They are only cancelling bookings on day by day basis. We have resorted to filling out contact form on their website (still waiting on reply). The situation is really frustrating as customers are expecting answers from us but we can’t give them answers because we can’t communicate with airline.

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Originally Posted by DJ HIBBY

Good question, if we ever get to speak to EasyJet I will let you know. They are only cancelling bookings on day by day basis. We have resorted to filling out contact form on their website (still waiting on reply). The situation is really frustrating as customers are expecting answers from us but we can’t give them answers because we can’t communicate with airline.

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Ok, cheers. Don't envy you that job!

As pubs go I don't mind Wetherspoons. They're generally nice and clean, bright and airy, great selection of drinks on offer and very very good prices. Staff always good aswell. I frequent them if i'm in the town for one or two to sit outside. Will I in future, probably will. The owner is a brexit voting tory prick but how many other business are the same? I'd guess a helluva lot. Is Tim Martin going to be any better or worse than the other chains or big hospitality businesses? Probably not.

We'll have people boycotting Wetherspoon's but then opting for Amazon to buy their next tele over Richard Sounds. People slating Mike Ashley buy buying their next fitba boots from him cos he's 10% cheaper. People tonight applauding the NHS at 8pm but voted Boris a few month back etc etc. Be more useful if we used our collective force for better rights for all workers across all sectors.

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

Do you know how long you have after the cancellation to claim a refund? Is it time limited?

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hi

not on the thread topic, but if you look at money saving expert site, there are alot of useful links there in regards flight refunds,Im sure the answer would be somewhere,
If not you can always start a thread!
hope this may be of help to and maybe dj hibby

Got an email from KLM cancelling our flights to America next month but they’re only offering vouchers rather than a refund, anyone know if this is allowed? If I fill in form on their website for a refund would I get one? Don’t want to end up with nothing but would rather have the refund than KLM vouchers (valid for a year) that I may not be able to use!

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Originally Posted by CentreLine

I’m no apologist for royalty but, on this occasion, I have to be. Charles owns a house in the highlands. He is therefore entirely within his rights to choose to stay there. If he then finds he is showing symptoms and falls in to the category for testing, then he is entitled to be tested. His actions are now being torn apart by people with an agenda. I am not sure this is the forum for that debate.

If I owned a house in remote Deeside and I was of independent means, sure as hell I’d move there too in this crisis. It’s not as if he kicked someone out of their home to move in. That was his ancestors who did that.

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Good try Charlie boy, but you're still out of order.

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Originally Posted by The Harp Awakes

Good try Charlie boy, but you're still out of order.

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https://mobile.twitter.com/BjCruicks...31451257139206

Chas' minions accused of mingling with the locals and have now tested positive ? If so, interesting that testing was made available to them.

Dunno if there is truth in the tweets in this link. No matter what this type of accusation was always going to surface.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Del Boy

Got an email from KLM cancelling our flights to America next month but they’re only offering vouchers rather than a refund, anyone know if this is allowed? If I fill in form on their website for a refund would I get one? Don’t want to end up with nothing but would rather have the refund than KLM vouchers (valid for a year) that I may not be able to use!

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You should be entitled to a refund whilst the government is advising against all but essential travel.

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Originally Posted by Del Boy

Got an email from KLM cancelling our flights to America next month but they’re only offering vouchers rather than a refund, anyone know if this is allowed? If I fill in form on their website for a refund would I get one? Don’t want to end up with nothing but would rather have the refund than KLM vouchers (valid for a year) that I may not be able to use!

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If the airline cancelled the flight then you are entitled to a full refund.

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Originally Posted by bobbyhibs1983

hi

not on the thread topic, but if you look at money saving expert site, there are alot of useful links there in regards flight refunds,Im sure the answer would be somewhere,
If not you can always start a thread!
hope this may be of help to and maybe dj hibby

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Cheers, lots of info there. Will report back with anything useful.

From MSE:


What if my flight or hotel is cancelled?

If your flight or accommodation is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, even if there's an FCO warning in place for the country you're going to at the time that you go, the airline or hotel is likely to fully refund you for the booking you've made.

Under EU flight delay rules (which still apply this year despite Brexit, and which cover all flights leaving the UK or EU as well as flights to the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline), you're entitled to choose between:

EITHER a refund for the flight that was cancelled.
OR an alternative flight (airlines call this re-routing) to your destination.
We've seen that many airlines appear to be offering customers credit vouchers instead of refunds. You don't have to accept this, and if the airline were to go bust, you may not get your money back.

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

Do you know how long you have after the cancellation to claim a refund? Is it time limited?

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I got vouchers from BA within a week.

Amex are a bit slow in dealing with my claim for the hotel booking but there’s no rush.

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Originally Posted by Colr

I got vouchers from BA within a week.

Amex are a bit slow in dealing with my claim for the hotel booking but there’s no rush.

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I don't want vouchers or rearranged bookings. Even if this period of disruption ends quickly there may be several more before this all plays out. Who knows what would be happening at time of rearrangement or if the airline will be around to honour the vouchers?

Easyjet are totally at it. Reports of people being told by their call centres that they can't get their money back then being hung up on.

The website says this

https://i.ibb.co/bX8stL1/easy.png

But when you click through there are only options to change the flight.

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Originally Posted by BILLYHIBS

Mike Ashley Sports Direct trying to make out his employees priority workers then jacking his prices :confused:

Ended up closing all his stores

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Mike Ashley has apologised, closed his stores and offered his fleet of vehicles to the NHS. Better late than never, I suppose. Probably too late to mend the harm he inflicted on his already tarnished reputation.

So far Trainline, Hilton and Premier Inn have been great to deal with, all bookings were advance non refundable rates but all have fully refunded with no fuss.:top marks

I’ve requested a refund from klm for my cancelled flights so will just have to wait, if they refuse or try and offer vouchers instead then I’ll clsim through my travel insurance. My accommodation booked through booking.com was refunded as soon as it became obvious travelling wouldn’t be an option, so fair play to them.

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

From MSE:


What if my flight or hotel is cancelled?

If your flight or accommodation is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, even if there's an FCO warning in place for the country you're going to at the time that you go, the airline or hotel is likely to fully refund you for the booking you've made.

Under EU flight delay rules (which still apply this year despite Brexit, and which cover all flights leaving the UK or EU as well as flights to the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline), you're entitled to choose between:

EITHER a refund for the flight that was cancelled.
OR an alternative flight (airlines call this re-routing) to your destination.
We've seen that many airlines appear to be offering customers credit vouchers instead of refunds. You don't have to accept this, and if the airline were to go bust, you may not get your money back.

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This is being done to protect the travel industry. The regulations I believe never took this Armageddon situation to occur where effectively the world is in lockdown. If every tour operator, travel agent or airline refunded every booking it would kill the industry, especially since there is no new business coming in. My time has spent trying to protect existing business this week which we’ve worked so hard to get, essentially working on the same booking twice. It’s a difficult balancing act and if we can refund , we will. After this situation passes everyone will need a holiday so we are asking clients to rebook. I also expect the legislation to change soon as it’s weighted to heavily in favour of consumer currently and doesn’t offer any protection to travel businesses in this crisis

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

I don't want vouchers or rearranged bookings. Even if this period of disruption ends quickly there may be several more before this all plays out. Who knows what would be happening at time of rearrangement or if the airline will be around to honour the vouchers?

Easyjet are totally at it. Reports of people being told by their call centres that they can't get their money back then being hung up on.

The website says this

https://i.ibb.co/bX8stL1/easy.png

But when you click through there are only options to change the flight.

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It’s impossible to get through to EasyJet just now. Their call centres are based in India which is in severe lockdown, so gives possible explanation in not being contactable. Tough times, still haven’t had any joy with them either for our affected bookings.

My mate works at Leonardo Electronics at Crewe Toll. They are an Italian owned company, and are taking instructions from Italy to keep working, same as their Italian counterparts, which has proved disastrous over there.

Apparently managers have been told they must maintain production at all costs.

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Originally Posted by DJ HIBBY

This is being done to protect the travel industry. The regulations I believe never took this Armageddon situation to occur where effectively the world is in lockdown. If every tour operator, travel agent or airline refunded every booking it would kill the industry, especially since there is no new business coming in. My time has spent trying to protect existing business this week which we’ve worked so hard to get, essentially working on the same booking twice. It’s a difficult balancing act and if we can refund , we will. After this situation passes everyone will need a holiday so we are asking clients to rebook. I also expect the legislation to change soon as it’s weighted to heavily in favour of consumer currently and doesn’t offer any protection to travel businesses in this crisis

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Sorry mate, travel companies can do one
Just by luck this is the first time in around 20 years that we booked a package holiday. Jet2 to Bulgaria In June.
We usually ⅖book our flights and accommodation separately .
The balance of £1300 was due today, I cancelled losing £120
I only ever got encouragement to see this through from jet2, never mind the current situation.
3 emails to book holidays with jet2 since I cancelled.
I really hope that others booked for the summer did likewise, there money is probably toast otherwise.

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Originally Posted by stoneyburn hibs

Sorry mate, travel companies can do one
Just by luck this is the first time in around 20 years that we booked a package holiday. Jet2 to Bulgaria In June.
We usually ⅖book our flights and accommodation separately .
The balance of £1300 was due today, I cancelled losing £120
I only ever got encouragement to see this through from jet2, never mind the current situation.
3 emails to book holidays with jet2 since I cancelled.
I really hope that others booked for the summer did likewise, there money is probably toast otherwise.

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Decent result D, it looks like I've lost the hotel payment at £2.5k even although it had cancellation insurance purchased with it, the flights were cancelled 3 days ago by Emirates so hopefully I get that back at another £2.6k but worst of all my mate bought the VIP F1 tickets at £8.5k and they're refusing to refund them as it's postponed and not cancelled.

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Originally Posted by Andy Bee

Decent result D, it looks like I've lost the hotel payment at £2.5k even although it had cancellation insurance purchased with it, the flights were cancelled 3 days ago by Emirates so hopefully I get that back at another £2.6k but worst of all my mate bought the VIP F1 tickets at £8.5k and they're refusing to refund them as it's postponed and not cancelled.

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Hi Andy, that's brutal mate.
Hopefully you can get positive outcome to that.
My mother is still waiting on 2k from Thomas Cook going under.

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Originally Posted by Colr

I got vouchers from BA within a week.

Amex are a bit slow in dealing with my claim for the hotel booking but there’s no rush.

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BA are totally at it not refunding you. Had my flight up to Glasgow for the Semi cancelled for me, my dad and two boys.

Their site automatically takes you through to the voucher page which I filled in thinking it was money back.

Turns out you have to toggle your Java Script on and off between pages. Managed to get to the refund page this way.

Here’s my twitter rant and some helpful guy explaining the Java Script trick.

If they cancel your flight, you’ll be wanting your money back and legally entitled to it.

https://twitter.com/jamie_bryce/stat...291811328?s=21

J

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Colr

I got vouchers from BA within a week.

Amex are a bit slow in dealing with my claim for the hotel booking but there’s no rush.

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Out of curiosity, how are you covered via Amex. I booked a Ryanair flight via Amex, Foreign Office advised non essential travel before I went, although Ryanair flew

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Originally Posted by Billy Whizz

Out of curiosity, how are you covered via Amex. I booked a Ryanair flight via Amex, Foreign Office advised non essential travel before I went, although Ryanair flew

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Like all credit cards if a company tries to **** you over the credit card will give you your money back and take up the claim using their considerable clout.

Just like if you can, always book flights on a Credit Card then pay it off straight away. You get the money back cover straight away. Insurance or not.

J

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Originally Posted by Bristolhibby

Like all credit cards if a company tries to **** you over the credit card will give you your money back and take up the claim using their considerable clout.

Just like if you can, always book flights on a Credit Card then pay it off straight away. You get the money back cover straight away. Insurance or not.

J

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Thanks, always book on a CC. I remember booking a boys holiday trip to Spain a few years back, flying with Globespan. Got all the money back
Not sure if this will apply in this case, as the plane flew, but we were advised not to travel by FO

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Originally Posted by stoneyburn hibs

Sorry mate, travel companies can do one
Just by luck this is the first time in around 20 years that we booked a package holiday. Jet2 to Bulgaria In June.
We usually ⅖book our flights and accommodation separately .
The balance of £1300 was due today, I cancelled losing £120
I only ever got encouragement to see this through from jet2, never mind the current situation.
3 emails to book holidays with jet2 since I cancelled.
I really hope that others booked for the summer did likewise, there money is probably toast otherwise.

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Firstly, thanks for the positive comments. Please remember our workforce’s are all in this mess too fighting to save our jobs and livelihoods. Secondly, at present there are no travel restrictions in place for June the now, only for April, this will likely change in due course and as such your holidays remain in place as normal. The travel industry follow the sane guidelines as the consumer. Lastly, as you booked a package holiday you’ve only lost your deposit of £120, which is most likely to have been a lot less than if you booked all your components separately. Booking the package holiday, you have had greater financial protection and much smaller deposit. Finally, you could’ve rescheduled your holiday to a later date, rather than cancelling. Sorry, the travel industry can do one comment really irked me as myself and my colleagues are doing our very best to help our customers with reduced pay and knowing we are seeing no new business come in.

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Originally Posted by DJ HIBBY

Firstly, thanks for the positive comments. Please remember our workforce’s are all in this mess too fighting to save our jobs and livelihoods. Secondly, at present there are no travel restrictions in place for June the now, only for April, this will likely change in due course and as such your holidays remain in place as normal. The travel industry follow the sane guidelines as the consumer. Lastly, as you booked a package holiday you’ve only lost your deposit of £120, which is most likely to have been a lot less than if you booked all your components separately. Booking the package holiday, you have had greater financial protection and much smaller deposit. Finally, you could’ve rescheduled your holiday to a later date, rather than cancelling. Sorry, the travel industry can do one comment really irked me as myself and my colleagues are doing our very best to help our customers with reduced pay and knowing we are seeing no new business come in.

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I'm sorry my comments irked you, I was probably a little harsh.
I don't doubt that you and your colleagues are working very hard, however I think it's madness for anyone to part with their hard earned on the promise of a future holiday right now.

The Hearts of the pub trade

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...breweries.html

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

O-M-G!!!!


“Market dislocations of this magnitude happen rarely, perhaps once or twice in a generation, and have historically provided excellent entry points for investors,” SCM fund manager Mark Asquith wrote in a note to clients.

“History has shown us that super normal returns can be made during this type of environment.”


From Jacob Rees-Mogg's 'Somerset Capital Management' -- Article


These people are sick in the head!!!!

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

O-M-G!!!!


“Market dislocations of this magnitude happen rarely, perhaps once or twice in a generation, and have historically provided excellent entry points for investors,” SCM fund manager Mark Asquith wrote in a note to clients.

“History has shown us that super normal returns can be made during this type of environment.”


From Jacob Rees-Mogg's 'Somerset Capital Management' -- Article


These people are sick in the head!!!!

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Sickening but not surprising.

I keep seeing adverts about the amazing opportunities presented by investing in pharmaceutical and private medical companies.

I think we need some kind of Canute’s Gallery online so we can remember who did what when this is all over and act accordingly.

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

O-M-G!!!!


“Market dislocations of this magnitude happen rarely, perhaps once or twice in a generation, and have historically provided excellent entry points for investors,” SCM fund manager Mark Asquith wrote in a note to clients.

“History has shown us that super normal returns can be made during this type of environment.”


From Jacob Rees-Mogg's 'Somerset Capital Management' -- Article


These people are sick in the head!!!!

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A chip off the old block, his dad’s book says the time to buy is when there’s blood in the streets:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....4,203,200_.jpg

As disgusting as it is, it makes perfect sense.

But when it’s cheap, make your money back (and some) when the markets recover.

Shame I have a mortgage, credit cards and an overdraft or else I’d be firing in.

It’s true what they say. Money makes money.

J

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

A chip off the old block, his dad’s book says the time to buy is when there’s blood in the streets:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....4,203,200_.jpg

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Its about right. I did OK buying BP when their rig was burning in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Originally Posted by DJ HIBBY

Firstly, thanks for the positive comments. Please remember our workforce’s are all in this mess too fighting to save our jobs and livelihoods. Secondly, at present there are no travel restrictions in place for June the now, only for April, this will likely change in due course and as such your holidays remain in place as normal. The travel industry follow the sane guidelines as the consumer. Lastly, as you booked a package holiday you’ve only lost your deposit of £120, which is most likely to have been a lot less than if you booked all your components separately. Booking the package holiday, you have had greater financial protection and much smaller deposit. Finally, you could’ve rescheduled your holiday to a later date, rather than cancelling. Sorry, the travel industry can do one comment really irked me as myself and my colleagues are doing our very best to help our customers with reduced pay and knowing we are seeing no new business come in.

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I don't know who you work for so will give you the benefit of the doubt but your comment about doing your very best definitely doesn't apply to the whole industry.

Many airlines were still taking bookings to Milan when it was totally obvious what was coming (in fact some were still taking bookings even after flights were being cancelled).

And asking people to make a choice between losing their deposit and throwing money at a package holiday that will almost certainly be cancelled is just not on. Particularly when it isn't clear whether they would then be refunded.

Burrell bought at the bottom of the market yet we love his museum.

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Originally Posted by DJ HIBBY

Firstly, thanks for the positive comments. Please remember our workforce’s are all in this mess too fighting to save our jobs and livelihoods. Secondly, at present there are no travel restrictions in place for June the now, only for April, this will likely change in due course and as such your holidays remain in place as normal. The travel industry follow the sane guidelines as the consumer. Lastly, as you booked a package holiday you’ve only lost your deposit of £120, which is most likely to have been a lot less than if you booked all your components separately. Booking the package holiday, you have had greater financial protection and much smaller deposit. Finally, you could’ve rescheduled your holiday to a later date, rather than cancelling. Sorry, the travel industry can do one comment really irked me as myself and my colleagues are doing our very best to help our customers with reduced pay and knowing we are seeing no new business come in.

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Most industry is in the same boat; it’s not just travel agents who are toiling with no new business coming in. It’s the same for building firms, retailers, pubs and restaurants. You’re taking a self centred stand on something because you work in a particular sector.

I know sparks, plumbers, pub managers, taxi drivers etc the list goes on who haven’t had a penny in 2 weeks. These guys live from week to week and there’s no “new business” coming in. How about having sympathy for these guys rather than being “irked” because no one is booking a holiday.

Your lucky. Holidays will fly off the shelf when restrictions are lifted. Others will be forced into financial turmoil due to this outbreak. Not everyone is furloughed so you complaining of reduced income is something many will relate to except their income is zero.

The travel industry should be offering full refunds for cancelled flights, it’s called consumer protection. To actively support firms handing over vouchers is ridiculous. I barely go abroad. What use would £x voucher be in that instance. If they’re offering vouchers it should be worthwhile. £1.50 to the £1 spent otherwise anyone would be a fool to accept it.

Just in case anyone else is chasing easyjet for a refund, they finally responded to their web contact form:

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If you prefer a refund, email your request to [email protected]. As soon as your refund is processed, we will send you an email confirmation. It is extremely important that you enter the following information in the subject line of the email, in the same format as shown below. This will ensure we can process your request quickly. If you have more than one booking reference, please submit separate requests.

Subject Line : Booking Reference/Departure Date/EN

Example : ABC1D2E/16042020/EN

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The only alternative is to get through to them on the phone but they don't let you queue, it just plays a recorded message and hangs up. I tried a few dozen times but decided life is too short. I've got email evidence that I've contacted them so if I don't get anything back for a week or 2 I'll file a claim with my credit card.

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Originally Posted by TrinityHibs

Burrell bought at the bottom of the market yet we love his museum.

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Do we?

Speaking for myself, I found it quite boring.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

Just in case anyone else is chasing easyjet for a refund, they finally responded to their web contact form:



The only alternative is to get through to them on the phone but they don't let you queue, it just plays a recorded message and hangs up. I tried a few dozen times but decided life is too short. I've got email evidence that I've contacted them so if I don't get anything back for a week or 2 I'll file a claim with my credit card.

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With over 260 000 refunds per day of this crisis to deal with, I guess they'll be playing catch up for quite some time to come. They have a dynamic computer based booking system that can deal with that kind of workload easily for bookings, however the refunds are a different kettle of fish and will be done manually.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens

Just in case anyone else is chasing easyjet for a refund, they finally responded to their web contact form:



The only alternative is to get through to them on the phone but they don't let you queue, it just plays a recorded message and hangs up. I tried a few dozen times but decided life is too short. I've got email evidence that I've contacted them so if I don't get anything back for a week or 2 I'll file a claim with my credit card.

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Thanks for that. :aok:

Denmark and Poland are refusing to give bailouts to companies that are registered in tax havens. If only the Scottish and U.K. governments would follow suit.

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Originally Posted by Bishop Hibee

Denmark and Poland are refusing to give bailouts to companies that are registered in tax havens. If only the Scottish and U.K. governments would follow suit.

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Aye, good one.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Bishop Hibee

Denmark and Poland are refusing to give bailouts to companies that are registered in tax havens. If only the Scottish and U.K. governments would follow suit.

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To take advantage of the furlough help, an employer has to be registered in the UK. The portal, which just opened this morning, asks for the employer's Unique Tax Reference.

For the Local Government help (the SG money), you have to be registered as a ratepayer in the area in which you are claiming.

Not commenting either way on this as his complex company structure makes it very difficult to reach an informed judgment on whether the content of his "open letter" is true or not but I do think it's only fair to read it before condemning him too strongly (it's embedded in a tweet in the article).

Richard Branson offers Caribbean island as collateral for bailout

https://www.theguardian.com/business...avirus-support

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Originally Posted by Rocky

Not commenting either way on this as his complex company structure makes it very difficult to reach an informed judgment on whether the content of his "open letter" is true or not but I do think it's only fair to read it before condemning him too strongly (it's embedded in a tweet in the article).

Richard Branson offers Caribbean island as collateral for bailout

https://www.theguardian.com/business...avirus-support

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It is a difficult one. On the one hand, his companies make a huge contribution to the economy. On the other, he doesn't personally.

And if, as reported, he's willing to put up Neckar as security against a Government loan, why can't he do that in the same borrowing market as everyone else?

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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod

It is a difficult one. On the one hand, his companies make a huge contribution to the economy. On the other, he doesn't personally.

And if, as reported, he's willing to put up Neckar as security against a Government loan, why can't he do that in the same borrowing market as everyone else?

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Because he'll be able to run rings round the government like he's done with franchises he's enjoyed in the past.

In the times of austerity we've endured and are about to endure I'd rather UK government (tax payers) money wasn't tied up in this sort of assett. Other avenues are open to him and he could always risk some of his personal wealth, he is after all a capitalist.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Bostonhibby

Because he'll be able to run rings round the government like he's done with franchises he's enjoyed in the past.

In the times of austerity we've endured and are about to endure I'd rather UK government (tax payers) money wasn't tied up in this sort of assett. Other avenues are open to him and he could always risk some of his personal wealth, he is after all a capitalist.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

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Marina Hyde on top form here. First paragraph particularly funny
https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...ranson-bailout

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Originally Posted by hibsbollah

Marina Hyde on top form here. First paragraph particularly funny
https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...ranson-bailout

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I think this was my favourite part:

'If he ends up being unable to fly passengers, I almost feel he could personally heft every single one of Earth’s promotions girls across the oceans, like an alarmingly veneered St Christopher.'