Coronavirus: Royal Mail boss self-isolating in 2 million Swiss penthouse while exposed workers face no pay

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The chief executive of Royal Mail has moved into his £2.3 million penthouse in Switzerland, while failing to pay workers who might have been exposed to coronavirus.

Rico Back, who earns up to £2.7 million a year, has reportedly been isolating in his Swiss mansion since March, in stark juxtaposition to the conditions faced by his workers.

Earlier this month, Scram News revealed that the postal service will not be awarding sick pay to staff who are self-isolating after potential exposure to coronavirus.

Despite the government instructing those who’ve been exposed to people with symptoms to self-isolate for 14 days, the monolith will only pay those who have symptoms of the virus – generously suggesting the former group takes “holiday or unpaid leave.”

And this is not the only way Back is facing pressure for basking in his financial privilege. Former Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable has urged Royal Mail to cut its pay to executives like Back, after it stopped paying investors dividends to save cash.

Despite paying its executives almost £3 million a year, the group has decided to punish shareholders not fat cat bosses, unlike other companies in the same position like BT, ITV and Rolls Royce.

Refusing to pay staff self-isolating due to coronavirus exposure similarly shows the monolith’s strange priorities.

Writing in the Daily Mail, commentator Alex Brummer said: “As the head of the Royal Mail one might have expected Back to visit staff in their workplaces (with the right protective gear) to show solidarity.”

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that postal workers are not being issued with sufficient PPE, prompting strikes. The company denies these claims.

Brummer added: “The boss also should be at hand in case a crisis such as disputes over condition in sorting offices or a breakdown of services arises.

“He is displaying a sad derogation of leadership.”

And Royal Mail is not the only company facing pressure over their employment practices.

Initially, Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin said he would not be paying staff while his pubs are closed. Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic staff – a company founded by billionaire Richard Branson – are being forced to take six weeks of unpaid leave.

Clearly, priorities at these businesses need to change – fast.