Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin has advised his 40,000 workers to apply for jobs at Tesco after pubs closed amid coronavirus.
He had previously described the global pandemic as a "health scare" and claimed closing bars would be "over the top".
Supermarkets including Tesco are recruiting heavily to meet the surge in demand linked to panic buying.
In a video sent to staff, Martin advises staff to find another job rather than wait for the Government to honour its pledge to reimburse firms for 80% of their wages.
He says: "I'm very sorry about the situation that has occurred with our pubs. They've been shut as you know. Unprecedented in the last 40 years and it puts everyone in a terribly difficult position.
"And I know you're all sitting there wondering what the hell is happening and over the weekend I had lots of phone calls with different people and we're trying to sort it out as best we can in this highly unusual situation."
Martin did not appear willing to pay staff in advance of receiving government support.
He added: "If I'm honest, I could say you can get the furlough payments and stay at home. If you're offered a job at a supermarket, many of you will want to do that. If you think it's a good idea, do it.
"I can completely understand it. If you've worked for us before I promise we will give you first preference if you want to come back.
"I completely understand if you don't want to wait around for us to reopen but deeply appreciate your work."
