Pret a Manger axes 2,800 jobs after undergoing complete UK restructure

‘I’m gutted that we’ve had to lose so many colleagues,’ hospitality brand’s CEO says

Hospitality firms like Pret were among the businesses left shuttered for the longest by restrictions designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus (Getty)

Pret a Manger has announced it axed 2,800 roles from its shops after completing a restructuring of its business in the UK.

The coffee and sandwich chain, which once boasted more than 450 sites across the UK with the majority focussed in London, has struggled for footfall in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic with trade declining 60 per cent year on year.

The restructuring comes despite “some signs of recovery” being observed by the hospitality firm in the UK – which serves as the international brand’s largest market.

Last month the high street chain said it was planning a shake-up which would result in the closure of 30 sites.

Hospitality firms were among the businesses left shuttered the longest by restrictions designed to limit the spread of coronavirus – with the sector warning throughout lockdown that an end to policies like the government’s furlough scheme could lead to job losses and site closures.

In a statement chief executive officer Pano Christou he urged the government to continue to support the sector for “as long as possible”.

“I’m gutted that we’ve had to lose so many colleagues,” he added.

“Although we’re now starting to see a steady but slow recovery, the pandemic has taken away almost a decade of growth at Pret.

“We’ve managed to protect many jobs by making changes to the way we run our shops and the hours we ask team members to work.

“I’m hopeful we’ll be able to review all these changes now that trade is improving again, and I’m encouraged by the improvements we’re seeing every week.

“We’ll soon be announcing a number of big changes to help bring Pret to more people.

“We’re grateful to the government for the support they’ve given our sector, and hope that support will continue as long as possible to give Pret time to adjust.”

Additional reporting by agencies