Pret A Manger asks staff to cut working hours

The chain said footfall in our shops remains significantly below normal levels.

Pret A Manger has asked thousands of staff to work about 20% fewer hours, after warning that at least 1,000 of its 8,000 employees could lose their jobs as part of plans to close 30 of its 410 stores.

Trade remains severely impacted, currently down 65% compared to pre-COVID levels. Challenges are most acute in London, where sales are 80% down.

“Our biggest priority is to do everything we can to save jobs. With footfall in our shops still significantly below normal levels, we have had to review the hours Team Members are contracted to work each week – although of course we hope to increase these hours as trade improves. By making these changes we are able to save a large number of roles,” a spokesperson for the chain told QSR Media.

Changes related to the contracted hours are understood to vary depending on previous contracts.

This story was first reported by The Sunday Times.