Shame on you M&S

Anno I agree with you that may be the case with large corporate employers.
But most small employers struggle against increasing burdens of bureaucracy, having to act as unpaid tax collectors, benefit administrators, checking the residence status of foreign employees etc, and would do anything to avoid falling foul of the nightmare that is employment law.
Witness the number of firms now in business simply to help small employers comply with all the regulations.

annodomini hear, hear. I have retained my union membership as a retired member long after I have stopped work. Too many people judge unions by high profile strikes and union leaders like the late Bob Crow. In fact most of their work is the day to day support and help they give members in difficulties in work.

I was very glad of the support my union rep gave me when a new manager started trying to bully me.

Union membership has plummeted so much that the workforce has no support when employers resort to unfair measures like those referred to in the OP. When I was a CAB adviser and a client came with an employment issue, the first question I asked was whether they were in a union. Very rarely a positive answer. The balance between employees and employers has swung too far in favour of the employers.

I have become increasingly cross with M&S; as a student I worked for them in the holidays and they treated their staff wonderfully.

I e mailed customer services recently, and directed thenk to GNHQ, telling them that they should take heed of an articulate group who would have a lot to tell them. And we would!!

I filled in one of their online surveys and told them why I do not buy their clothes. I do not want inferior fabrics with garments made in Bangladesh. M&S used to be known for their quality

A friend works in an M&S Outlet, and yesterday she was telling me that there is a big push to reduce staffing costs, so they are "asking " if anyone wants to leave and also for volunteers to agree to fewer hours (nearly put "less" then!)

So, basically it does look as if it's true.

I was out shopping with my sister in bluewater and overheard a conversation. being nosey northerners we joined in and were horrified. We did once have a relative who worked in head office a few years ago. so knew M&S once had an enviable reputation akin to John Lewis for their treatment of staff. I checked the information out with a friend who has a part time job on m&s shop floor and she confirmed the conversation. I really don't think it's because they are loosing sales. I think big firms know they can get away with treating staff this way so they do,and we let them. That's what makes me feel so angry. I'm at the end of my working life so it won't affect me. Big firms are behaving every bit as badly as the unions did back in the 60,70 & 80's. I hear it all the time from friends who work for the local council ( they used to be really good employers) who's contracts are changed all the time. The stress and unfairness must be terrible. Oops I have to get off this soapbox.

I must ask some of my friends what's happening. I know no one seems terribly happy at the moment.

They have a vast amount of floor space covered in not very appealing clothing. I am amazed they are still in business.

I did some food shopping in M&S today and received an invitation to take part in an online survey (and I might win £250!!). Haven't looked at it yet, but I will do - they're obviously worried, and rightly so.

I have just about stopped shopping there [ the clothes are not great this year] but like to buy some food there from time to time.Do you know somebody who works there*Kiora*? Perhaps M&S have to do cost cutting because of falling sales?The only answer is for M&S staff to stage a revolt and all sign a petition to be handed in to make the bosses realise how they will be affected.In a free market, stores will always do what is best for stores, but the staff could still stage a protest.

I'm afraid I've already stopped shopping there Kiora.
Perhaps a lot of other people have too, and that's why M&S are doing this.
I agree it's very sad for the employees.