Because we’re worth it… L’Oreal defends £1m furlough claim

L’OREAL has pocketed nearly £ 1million in British taxpayers’ cash – despite making billions in profits during the pandemic.

New figures from HM Revenue & Customs reveal the global cosmetic giant was given ‘£500,000 to £1 million’ in furlough money in December and January alone – and continues to claim.

And while some of the Frenchbased firm’s UK customers might raise a perfectly arched eyebrow at such a shabby look, L’Oreal (slogan ‘Because I’m Worth It’) didn’t bat an eyelid at the taxman. In the last three months of 2020 alone, it made profits of more than £6 billion. Sales were boosted by lockdown-fuelled internet shopping.

When the furlough scheme was designed, the Treasury chose speed over setting strict criteria – to avoid people unfairly falling through the gaps. This free-for-all approach was understandable a year ago, when a fast response to boost public confidence was needed. But it beggars belief that the vetting process hasn’t been tightened.

Last night the company confirmed it still relies on the furlough scheme to pay the bulk of its British staff’s wages – only using its own deep pockets to top them up. It said the furlough bonanza has been granted within t he rules.‘ As non- essential retail re-opens next week, beauty advisers will be returning to work and therefore we will not be making any further claims,’ a company s pokesman s ai d. Meanwhile, word reaches me that L’Oreal is working on a new perfume – Eau de Shameless – and it promises to be a steal.