Conservative MP Alexander Stafford, who sits on the Commons Business Select Committee, hit out, saying: ‘The furlough scheme was never meant to allow companies to abrogate all responsibility. Documents also show how Graff Diamonds International used furlough cash to pay staff at its upmarket London jewellery shops in Sloane Street, New Bond Street and Harrods. Records show up to £10,000 of taxpayers’ money was used to furlough staff who work in the gift shops, cafes, gardens and restaurants on his Highlands estate. The tycoon won praise for repaying nearly £300,000 he received from the furlough scheme for 50 staff in his conservation business Wildland. The company now has 100 people on the scheme and has claimed up to £25,000 to furlough staff.

Source: Daily Mail March 20, 2021 22:37 UTC