I know nothing about running a business etc, but surely in these unprecedented times he could of put out a statement saying he intends to use the furlough for staff and is looking for answers from HMRC etc and in the short term, ie a fortnight/month he intends to cover/help with wages.
If he was being harsh he would simply lay staff off. He isn't, he is going to use the furlough but it just isn't ready yet. He is putting a rocket under the govt so that it is ready before payday.