Vodafone was warned by its franchisees four years ago that commission cuts were having a “massive impact” on their mental health, long before dozens of small business owners launched a £120 million High Court case against the company. In a 2020 survey conducted weeks after Vodafone reduced fees paid to franchisees for selling its products and services, participants reported suffering stress, anxiety and depression. Franchisees scored the company just 1.75 out of 5 on whether they trusted Vodafone’s word, and 1.67 out of 5 on whether they felt valued as business partners. A spokesperson added: “At Vodafone UK we encourage anyone to raise issues in the knowledge they will be taken seriously, and we always seek to resolve any issues raised. It has also said it “strongly refutes” the allegations in the High Court claim, describing the case as a commercial dispute it intends to defend.