Exposed: Our hidden camera uncovers exploitation and pressure-selling at direct sales firm, WalesOnline, reporter Conor Gogarty

WalesOnline’s investigation into exploitation and pressure-selling at a “cult-like” sales office was a standout winner for the judges in a highly competitive field. It exemplified committed and dogged journalism by sticking with a story and utilising multiple resources and storytelling techniques – and it delivered clear results. 

Investigations editor Conor Gogarty’s initial piece saw him go undercover as a door-to-door sales rep, shining a light on gruelling work conditions. But it was his follow-up scoop that brought to light the wider issues. Wearing a hidden camera, he exposed misleading job adverts, lies told on doorsteps to sign elderly people up for charity payments, and appalling treatment of young sales reps. 

The stories led to the firm involved shutting down, and revealed similar problems at related businesses, sparking a Fundraising Regulator investigation. One of the charities involved reported a 'serious incident' to the Charity Commission over the findings, prompting a separate regulatory investigation.