Ed Sheeran says he'll pay his restaurant staff full wages to tide over coronavirus lockdown
Ed Sheeran has said that he will be paying his restaurant workers their wages during the coronavirus outbreak. The 29-year-old ‘Modern Love’ star has also urged them to get other jobs.
Sheeran, whose net worth is approximately $208 million, employs about ten people at his Bertie Blossoms joint in London’s Notting Hill. He said that none of his workers will be terminated from the job and added that he would be happy for them to take on other roles or voluntary work during the coronavirus crisis.
“Ed’s told everyone not to worry and that he’s picking up the tab and he’ll see them all again for a massive p*ss-up once the world gets back to normal. The managers will be checking in on the place every now and again to make sure it is safe and secure and all is well," The Sun reported a source as saying.
“Ed even told staff they could go out and seek other employment if they wanted or go help the nation by doing voluntary work. It’s great of Ed to put everyone’s mind at rest. People will say ‘oh well he can afford it’ but often the people with the most money can be the least generous. That’s not Ed, though,” the source added.
The ‘Shape of You’ star’s bright green, low-lit bar opened in September 2019. He took to Instagram and said: “Me and @stuartcamp73 have opened up our own bar in London. It’s called @bertie_blossoms, and it’s on Portobello road, opposite Pizza East. Good beer and good food. Pop in when you have time, hope you like it!”
The popular haunt for local celebs like Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy closed last week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all venues to shut to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
This comes in the wake of Gordon Ramsay, who also owns 12 restaurants in London, terminating more than 500 of his workers due to the deadly virus as he temporarily shut his outlets. The celebrity chef has since faced a lot of criticism for his decision with one of his staff members calling him 'piece of 's***'.
Chef Anca Torpuc, who used to work for Ramsay, wrote on Facebook: “I'm not talking about one person here, over 500 people lost their jobs yesterday so all I can say is thank you @gordongram @gordonramsayrestaurants I hope you sleep well at night knowing that so many people don't have a job in this difficult time because of you.” The 28-year-old also said that she would never work for Michelin stars awardee in the future. “I have worked hard for him for the past two years, and this is how I am rewarded. It is not fair, but that doesn't worry him.”
Another employee of the 53-year-old said: “It just stinks that we have been let go. We all hope that this will pass and we can return to work, but there are many who will never work for Ramsay again. His behavior is disgusting.”