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PRET a Manger is set to close six more shops, putting 400 extra jobs at risk due to the coronavirus crisis.
In August, the sandwich chain axed 2,800 jobs and closed 30 stores after struggling to bounce back from the pandemic.
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Most of the previous job losses announced affected store staff, although 90 of them were from Pret’s support centre team.
The latest job cuts affect store staff in London only, although Pret is yet to confirm the list of locations.
Pret said that although it’s seen “consistent sales growth” in the four months since reopening sites, this has slowed since the end of September as coronavirus infection rates have risen.
The chain stressed it’s not questioning stricter measures to curb the spread of the virus, and added that it’s up to Pret to adopt to the situation.
Which Pret shops are closing for good?
PRET has so far only confirmed which 30 of the initial cafes will shut – we’ve listed them below.
Greater London
- St George University Kiosk
- 421 Strand
- Heathrow Terminal 3 landside
- 109 Fleet St
- Strutton Ground
- Centre Point
- Warwick Way
- Byward Street
- Southwark The Cut
- 41 Piccadilly
- Wood St
- High St Uxbridge
Outside London
- 59 High St Worcester
- Albert St Nottingham
- Lion Yard Cambridge
- Fargate Sheffield
- Broad St Reading
- High Wycombe
- Metrocentre Gateshead
- Queensgate Centre Peterborough
- Shandwick Place Edinburgh
- East Street Chichester
- Glasgow Fort Shopping Centre
- Gallowtree Gate Leicester
- Shrewsbury
- Lakeside
- Capitol Centre Cardiff
- Grainger Street Newcastle
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Chapelfield Norwich
A spokesperson told The Sun the process to shut stores will begin from next week.
From midnight tonight, cities such as London and Essex will be plunged into Tier 2 lockdown with a ban on household mixing indoors and venues such as restaurants and cafes.
Pret has around 6,500 workers in the UK and 389 shops, of which 266 are located in London.
Clare Clough, Pret’s UK managing director, said: “It’s absolutely right that we take steps to stop the spread of the virus and tackle the new wave of infections.
“Sadly, the result of the rise in infections and the necessary shift in public health guidance mean that our recovery has slowed.
“We’ve said all along that it’s up to Pret to decide our own future and that we must adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in.
“That’s why we have to make these further changes as we continue to transform our business model and prepare for the six months ahead.
“We are doing everything we can to support our team members and to prevent further job losses at Pret.”
It’s the latest blow to the high street, which was already struggling to stay open before the coronavirus pandemic.
In August, Marks & Spencer confirmed plans that it would cut 7,000 shop floor jobs.
Meanwhile, Boots, WH Smith and John Lewis are among others shedding staff.
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