Costa to cut 1,650 jobs
The Costa coffee shop chain has said nearly 1,650 roles are at risk of redundancy due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the company said it was being forced to make some difficult decisions to protect as many jobs as possible.
Costa closed nearly all 2,700 of its UK stores for six weeks during lockdown. Although 2,400 shops are now open and trading, the company said it is highly uncertain as to when trade will get back to pre-Covid levels.
Following a review of roles within its stores, Costa has now started a consultation process with staff.
Neil Lake, managing director for Costa Coffee UK and Ireland, said: “Today’s announcement to our store teams was an extremely difficult decision to make. Our baristas are the heart of the Costa business and I am truly sorry that many now face uncertainty following today’s news.
“We have had to make these difficult decisions to protect the business and ensure we safeguard as many jobs as possible for our 16,000 team members, whilst emerging stronger ready for future growth.”
Costa said it will seek to find staff new roles within the business where possible and help those leaving the company into new employment.
The company has also put a freeze on pay increases for staff working in its support centre and cut all non-essential expenditure.
