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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Simon Goodley

New laws may be considered after ‘harrowing stories’ from ex-Vodafone franchisees

Vodafone Suicide United States
A pedestrian walks by a Vodafone store in London in July while on her phone
The move follows allegations of suicide and attempted suicide among shopkeepers who had agreed to deals to run retail outlets for the £18bn telecoms company. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

The government may consider new laws to correct the power imbalance in franchise agreements in response to the “harrowing stories” of small business people running Vodafone stores.

The move follows allegations of suicide and attempted suicide among shopkeepers who had agreed to deals to run retail outlets for the £18bn telecoms company, which were revealed by the Guardian on Monday.

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