Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones furloughs 400 Jessops workers despite £490million personal fortune
DRAGON's Den star Peter Jones has reportedly furloughed 400 Jessops workers despite his £490million personal fortune.
He's the latest multi-millionaire to take advantage of taxpayers' cash through the government's coronavirus job retention scheme, reports the .
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Under the scheme, companies can ask the government to pay staff wages of 80 per cent - up to £2,500.
The news comes after Victoria Beckham sparked fury last week by furloughing 25 of her fashion staff despite her family being worth a reported £335million.
Everyone from Sir Richard Branson and Stella McCartney to Sir Philip Green are facing the wrath of the public amid reports they're relying on government funds to pay their staff.
According to the Daily Mail, more than 400 workers at Mr Jones' camera store chain have been placed on furlough.
Meanwhile, Mr Jones reportedly won't be topping up any lost wages for staff during the coronavirus crisis.
A spokesman said individual management had taken the decision to use the government's job retention scheme.
The businessman bought Jessops in 2013 after it collapsed into administration.
Last year, he announced he'd been looking to close some of its 46 stores and renegotiate rents with landlords due to falling sales.
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The 53-year-old entrepreneur also has financial interests in 25 other companies through investments, but he's reportedly not been involved in their decision to furlough staff.
These have a collective turnover of more than £250million and employ over 1,000 people across the UK.
According to the Sunday Times Rich list, Jones is by far the wealthiest of the Dragons' Den presenters with a fortune of £490m.
A spokesman for Jones told the Daily Mail that the decision to take advantage of the furlough scheme was made by their management.
He added that those working directly for his investment group are still being paid their full salary, while the board of directors will be taking a 50 per cent pay cut.
The spokesman said: "Peter is an investor and has over 25 current investments and he is aware that some of those companies are utilising the government support where necessary."
The Sun has contacted Jessops and Peter Jones for comment.
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Last month, Richard Branson was told to "flog" his private island as Virgin Airlines staff were forced to take eight weeks unpaid leave.
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While millionaire Topshop boss Sir Philip Green has come under fire for using taxpayer money to cover the wages of 14,500 employees - many of them shop workers.
Victoria Beckham has also been slammed by Piers Morgan for her decision to furlough staff.