Branson thanks staff facing axe

Virgin Media has been criticised 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 Virgin’s office in Liverpool were among employees receiving an e-mail thanking them for all their “hard work” and telling them they would be receiving a copy of Sir Richard Branson’s new book.

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: “If Virgin Media really valued its staff 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.”