The Guardian — Telecommunications

Vodafone Incentivised Security Staff to Fine Its Own Franchisees

Vodafone introduced a KPI‑driven programme that pushed security staff to extract £1.5 million (≈$1.9 million) in fines from its UK franchisees. The scheme included extreme penalties, such as a £10,000 (≈$12,500) fine for a mistake that cost the company only £7.08 (≈$9). A high‑court claim filed by 62 former franchisees alleges Vodafone unjustly enriched itself by up to £85 million (≈$106 million), likening the tactics to the Post Office Horizon scandal. Vodafone has since reimbursed £4.9 million (≈$6.1 million) in goodwill payments but continues to contest the lawsuit.