Costa Coffee is hiring 2,000 extra staff to keep up with surging demand as workers return to offices

COSTA Coffee is hiring 2,000 extra staff to keep up with surging demand as workers finally return to their offices.

Last year the chain was forced to make more than 600 redundant after the pandemic hit high street footfall, but it is now expecting a busy Christmas shopping season.

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And all staff will get a five per cent wage rise in recognition of their commitment in the pandemic.

That is a boost of at least 45p an hour, bringing minimum pay to £9.36 per hour.

A typical worker will see their annual take-home pay increase by between £500 and £900.

Baristas who make the coffee and help manage stores will see their pay go up by 65p per hour, or up to £1,400 a year.

New staff will also get the rise.

Costa boss Neil Lake said: “Our team members are the heart of our business. This pay increase is one way to show our thanks.”

Costa will also open dozens of new outlets.

The surge in trade comes after millions quit working from home last Monday as their kids went back to school.

Vehicle use is back to around 95 per cent of pre-Covid levels, while high street footfall is also climbing.