UK Orders Franchising Reviews After Vodafone Allegations
The UK has ordered franchising-sector reviews after a Guardian investigation reported that Adrian Howe, a former Vodafone employee who agreed to open a franchise in 2018, died by suicide following pressure from the FTSE 100 telecoms group. Government studies will shape required protections for franchisees while avoiding burdens on small businesses. The action follows minister Lord Leong taking franchising and a January pledge by Keir Starmer to review franchising laws, after a High Court claim by 62 former franchisees alleging Vodafone