Free Branson book to laid-off staff at Virgin Media 'unbelievably insensitive'
Virgin Media was today accused of being "unbelievably insensitive" for sending a thank you letter and a free book to staff facing redundancy in the New Year.
The Communication Workers Union said hundreds of workers set to lose their job through the closure of the firm's office in Liverpool were among employees receiving an email thanking them for all their "hard work" this year and telling them they will be receiving a copy of Richard Branson's new book on business - ironically titled 'Screw Business As Usual'.
Billy Hayes, the union's general secretary, said: "If Virgin Media really valued its staff as this email says then why are they cutting 435 jobs in Liverpool?
"A free book is hardly a consolation when you won't have a job in the New Year. It's unbelievably insensitive to send an email like this to staff who are facing redundancy.
"Virgin has the opportunity to keep these jobs in Liverpool and that would be a real Christmas message about how they value their staff."
