Pret A Manger, the British sandwich and coffee chain, has decided to lay off 3000 jobs, equivalent to a third of its employees, as part of its restructuring plan.The chain, which serves its customers with cafes and kiosks at 450 points in the UK, especially in regions close to workplaces, has been having a difficult time in recent months due to people working mainly from their homes as part of quarantine measures.In the statement made by the company in June, it was announced that 30 branches would be closed.The company currently employs 12 thousand people in the country.
"The Pandemic Took Away Our Almost 10 Years Of Growth"
"Although we have seen a slow but sure improvement in our businesses, I can say that the pandemic took away our almost 10 years of growth," said Boss Pano Christo, Pret A Manger Senior Manager.
Hundred Thousands Of People Lose Jobs In The UK
SSP Group, which is the owner of restaurant chains such as Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza, which are mainly located in airports and train stations in England, also reported that 5 thousand people were dismissed.
In the leading data of ONS, it was reported yesterday that 730 thousand people lost their jobs in March, April, May and June in England. The fact that these layoffs have not yet been reflected in the official unemployment data in the UK is due to the government's paid leave program that it aims to continue until the end of October.
The British government reported that 80 percent of the salary payments to those who are unable to work in the country due to the epidemic will be covered up to 2,500 pounds. Experts expect the unemployment to rise significantly, which stood at 3.9 percent, with the British government ending this paid leave program in October.
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak previously said, "Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their job and many more will. Difficult decisions do lie ahead for all of us.", saying that the British government will continue to stand by the people.