Pandora franchise boss is slammed for telling his workers ‘don’t call in sick’ over the Christmas period because it’s a ‘very busy’ time of the year
- A Pandora franchise boss has been slammed for advising against calling in sick
- A video of Joseph Howley, the head of The Howley Group, was sent to workers
- ‘Don’t call in sick. If anyone’s calling sick… I need to know about this,’ he said
A Pandora franchise boss has been slammed for advising against calling in sick over the festive period because it’s a ‘very busy’ time of year for business.
A video of Joseph Howley, the head of The Howley Group, addressing staff was sent to workers at the jewellery retailer ahead of Christmas and the New Year.
The Howley Group is a Pandora franchisee, with stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Howley, who is based in Sydney, said his workers are ‘very important’ to business and they must be dedicated to the job for the next three weeks.
A video of Joseph Howley, the head of The Howley Group, addressing staff was sent to workers at the jewellery retailer ahead of Christmas and the New Year
‘Don’t call in sick. If anyone’s calling sick, cancelling shifts, I need to know about this. You need to talk to me directly,’ he said.
‘Unless you have something serious you’re not supposed to do that for the next three weeks. After that you can do whatever you want, no problem.
‘But those three weeks I need your full support. Is that clear?’
According to Stuff, the video message upset staff members.
A Pandora spokeswoman clarified that Mr Howley was not telling his workers to avoid taking sick leave.
The Howley Group is a Pandora franchisee, with stores in Australia and New Zealand
‘Whilst it was not communicated effectively, in the video staff were being asked to contact The Howley Group directly in the event that they cannot attend their allocated shift, in order to best manage alternative arrangements,’ she told Stuff.
‘The video is not aligned with our overarching approach at Pandora.’
The spokeswoman said the retailer had supported their workers throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the wellbeing of staff was important to the company.
She apologised to staff who may have been upset by the video.
‘Don’t call in sick. If anyone’s calling sick, cancelling shifts, I need to know about this. You need to talk to me directly,’ he said
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