Podcast Summary
Leveraging LinkedIn for Recruitment: Businesses can access a unique pool of professionals on LinkedIn, including passive job seekers, making it an essential platform for recruitment. Over 70% of LinkedIn users don't visit other leading job sites. Investigative journalism, like The Times' exposure of British Gas' unethical practices, can create significant impact.
Businesses looking to hire top talent may be missing out by not utilizing LinkedIn for job postings. LinkedIn hosts a unique pool of professionals, including those not actively seeking new roles, making it an essential platform for recruitment. In fact, over 70% of LinkedIn users don't visit other leading job sites. Meanwhile, The Times' investigation exposed British Gas' unethical practices, leading to a change in the law and protection for vulnerable customers. This example illustrates the power of investigative journalism and its potential to create significant impact. In hiring, as in journalism, thinking outside the box and being persistent can lead to remarkable results. So, start hiring like a professional and post your free job on linkedin.com/people today. Additionally, always be on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference, whether it's through your business or your reporting.
British Gas and other energy companies using warrants to install pay-as-you-go meters: Energy companies can apply for warrants to enter homes and install pay-as-you-go meters, disrupting families' lives and raising ethical concerns, particularly during cost of living crisis
British Gas and other energy companies are using warrants to enter people's homes to install pay-as-you-go meters, even in single-father households with children. This practice, while not rare, is a contentious issue that has come under scrutiny due to concerns over the cost of living crisis and the impact on vulnerable families. Energy companies have the power to apply for warrants directly to the courts if customers are in debt, allowing them to switch meters and potentially disrupt families' lives. The speaker became aware of this issue after noticing the increased discussion around the cost of living crisis and the concerns raised by charities regarding prepayment meters. This practice, while not unusual, raises ethical questions and highlights the need for greater transparency and support for those struggling with energy debts.
Investigating Aggressive Debt Collection Practices by Energy Companies: During the cost of living crisis, energy companies continued to install prepayment meters and charge customers for debt repayments, despite claims to prioritize vulnerable customers. This practice led to further financial burden for customers and raised concerns about the companies' commitment to helping those in need.
During the cost of living crisis, while energy companies, including British Gas, publicly claimed to prioritize vulnerable customers, there were allegations of aggressive debt collection practices. To investigate this further, undercover journalist Paula went to work for Arvato, a company contracted by energy firms to collect debts. Her research revealed that Arvato agents were sent to enforce warrants for British Gas to install prepayment meters, which are more expensive and can lead to further debt for customers due to standing charges and debt repayments. British Gas continued to take money from customers' top-ups to repay debts, while other companies had stopped this practice over the winter. The cost of the teams sent to install these prepayment meters was also added to the customers' bills. These findings call into question the companies' commitment to helping vulnerable customers manage their debts.
British Gas Engineers' Home Visits Involve More Than Technical Tasks: Empathy and respect are crucial in professional roles, especially during home visits where emotional connection matters, such as for British Gas engineers.
Working as a British Gas engineer involves more than just technical tasks. During a home visit, the team must switch over meters and ensure the family's heating is functioning properly. However, the emotional aspect of entering someone's home without the family present can be challenging. The speaker, who is used to undercover work, felt particularly affected by the toys, inhalers, and drying clothes, imagining the impact of the cold on the young children. The team's behavior during the wait, such as playing with toys and using the toilet, was perceived as disrespectful. Overall, the experience underscores the importance of empathy and respect in professional roles, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
British Gas's Prepayment Meter Installations and Vulnerable Customers: Despite Ofgem's guidelines, energy companies like British Gas inconsistently applied vulnerability checks, leading to forced installations of prepayment meters for vulnerable customers during the cost of living crisis.
During an investigation into the practices of British Gas and their installation of prepayment meters, it was discovered that vulnerable customers, including young mothers with infants, were being overlooked and forced into installations despite their circumstances. Agents from the company, Arvato, had varying interpretations of what constituted vulnerability, leading to inconsistent application of the policy. Some agents were more empathetic and refused to install meters in such situations, while others were more rigid in their approach. Ofgem, the energy regulator, offers guidance on what vulnerabilities can mean, including having young children under five, being pregnant, or having disabilities. However, it seemed that companies were not properly adhering to these guidelines. The cost of living crisis was not being taken into account by the companies, leaving many customers in dire circumstances. An email received during the investigation revealed the stark reality of the situation, with data showing the number of forced installations across the country. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement of vulnerability checks and greater empathy and understanding from energy companies towards their customers during times of financial hardship.
Investigation reveals energy companies' contractor kept sensitive homeowner info: During a crisis, companies' contractors may keep sensitive homeowner data without full transparency, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in handling personal info.
During an investigation into forced meter installations by energy companies during the cost of living crisis, it was discovered that agents' notes detailing sensitive personal information of homeowners, such as mental health conditions and young children, were being kept by the contractor Arvato. These notes were not necessarily being shared with the companies like British Gas, despite Ofgem's regulations requiring full transparency. This raises concerns about the companies' awareness and handling of such sensitive information. The investigation, which was published and received widespread media attention, led to changes in the industry. It highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in business practices, especially when it comes to handling personal information and serving vulnerable populations.
Undercover journalism leads to change: Undercover reporting brought about an immediate end to British Gas's forceful installation of prepayment meters, leading to a public apology and regulatory action to protect vulnerable customers.
Undercover journalism can have a significant impact on bringing about change. The investigation by The Times into British Gas's practices of forcing entry into customers' homes to install prepayment meters resulted in immediate action from the company and the government regulator. British Gas suspended the force fitting of prepayment meters, and Ofgem issued a legal order banning the practice until British Gas could prove they had all necessary protections in place. This swift response came after the undercover footage was released, revealing the issue to the public and putting pressure on those involved. The CEO of Centrica, British Gas's parent company, even apologized publicly for the company's actions. The regulator, previously criticized for inaction, seized the opportunity to take strong measures to protect vulnerable customers. The story made headlines and sparked public outrage, leading to accountability and change. As for Ovato, the debt collection company involved, their response is not mentioned in the discussion.
British Gas and Arvato under scrutiny for aggressive sales tactics towards vulnerable customers: Regulators investigate British Gas and contractor Arvato for alleged aggressive sales tactics towards vulnerable customers. Companies may face reputational damage and legal consequences.
The energy company British Gas and its contractor Arvato are under scrutiny for alleged aggressive sales tactics towards vulnerable customers. British Gas has issued a response maintaining compliance with regulations and placing blame on individuals and Arvato. The Financial Conduct Authority is looking into Arvato, and companies may face reputational damage if they continue to work with them. The government has responded with strong words and called in the boss of Centrica for a meeting. Ofgem, which regulates energy providers but not directly their contractors, is also under criticism for not preventing such behavior. The courts have been ordered to stop listing cases for warrants to authorize forced meter installations due to concerns about insufficient vulnerability checks by the companies themselves. Ultimately, there's a call for legal change to protect vulnerable consumers and ensure the industry doesn't self-regulate.
Investigative journalism bringing change when government intervention fails: Investigative journalism can expose unfair practices and hold companies accountable, ultimately advocating for the public and bringing about change when government intervention fails.
Investigative journalism can bring about change when government intervention fails. This was evident in an investigation by Paul Morgan Bentley from The Times, who shared his experience of speaking with families affected by sudden increases in energy bills. One family, in particular, was paying over £50 a month in full before their account was taken over by a new provider, but after the switch, their bill skyrocketed, making it impossible for them to afford heating for their young children. This situation highlights the importance of affordable energy and the devastating consequences of rising prices. The investigation brought attention to the issue and underscores the power of journalism in holding companies accountable and advocating for the public.
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