Simon Cowell has called for celebs like Victoria Beckham and Richard Branson to pay their staff’s wages during the lockdown – rather than looking to government aid.
Fashion designer Victoria came under fire this week when it emerged she had furloughed some of her staff, turning to the government to pay 80% of their wages.
The scheme sees employees receive four-fifths of their monthly wage – up to £2,500 – from the government.
Richard Branson was also on the receiving end of backlash when he looked to the nation to bail out Virgin, after the airline industry ground to a halt.
Virgin Australia failed to receive a £710million bailout from authorities yesterday, sinking into administration instead.
Simon urged celebrities to pay their employees using their own savings (Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
In an interview with The Sun, Britain’s Got Talent star Simon, 60, asked celebs to look to their own finances before seeking government aid.
He said: “I don’t like celebrities telling people what to do, and I know this is a hugely difficult time for so many — worries about family, health, jobs, paying the mortgage and feeding their family are at the forefront of people’s minds.
“But there are still other people in business and in entertainment with resources available.
Victoria Beckham was met by backlash after she furloughed members of her staff (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“So today it’s those people I’m urging to rise to this enormous challenge.”
The music mogul isn’t the only celeb fighting back – Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne condemned Richard Branson’s decision on Twitter.
Replying to another user, he said: “I have gone to the bank NOT the UK taxpayer. The bank. A viable business will get the money from a bank.
Richard Branson was criticised after turning to the government for support (Image: PA)
“I never slated him (Sir Richard) I said he should go to the bank for a loan, not the hard-working UK taxpayers that you show so little respect for.”
In another tweet he later added: “But tell me, why can’t he borrow the money from a bank?
“In every company in the world the staff pay their taxes. So you are saying government should financially support every company that is in trouble?”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
