Family of former Vodafone manager found drowned call for ‘Adrian’s law’ to protect franchisees
Summary
The family of Adrian Howe, a former Vodafone store manager who drowned days before opening his new Vodafone franchise, is urging the government to create a law to better protect franchisees. Vodafone recently settled a legal claim made by 62 former franchisees who said the company unfairly profited from them, but Howe’s case has highlighted ongoing concerns about franchisee treatment and mental health risks.Key Facts
- Adrian Howe drowned in August 2018, just before opening his second Vodafone franchise.
- Howe’s family says he was under extreme financial pressure due to the franchising deal, including personal guarantees that put their home at risk.
- Vodafone settled a legal claim worth up to £85 million with 62 former franchisees who accused the company of unfair business practices.
- The claim involved about 40% of Vodafone’s 167 franchisees and lasted 19 months until a confidential settlement.
- Howe’s daughter, Kirsty-Anne Holmes, wants a new law called “Adrian’s law” to protect franchisees and stop abusive contract terms.
- The UK currently has no government body specifically overseeing franchising contracts.
- Mental health problems and pressures from Vodafone’s franchising practices have been reported by many former franchisees.
- The case was mentioned in UK Parliament, and then-PM Keir Starmer promised to review franchising regulations.
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