Greggs slice jobs

Greggs slice jobs

Greggs is slicing 820 jobs as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The redundancies follow from a consultation process with union and employee representatives.

“Covid trading conditions have forced this action onto our business and we are all very saddened by the need to part company with around 820 friends and colleagues, many of whom have worked with us for many years,” CEO Roger Whiteside announced on Greggs’ employee information site.

Some employees agreed to a reduction in their contract hours to minimise the number of redundancies.

No closures expected

No shops are expected to close.

Pre-Covid Greggs was in a strong position, describing 2019 as an “exceptional financial year.”

The outbreak and lockdowns impacted sales and disrupted supply chains, with the temporary closure of its Leeds distribution centre in August, and the halt of production at its Newcastle factory in September owing to staff members testing positive for the virus.

Priorities

Greggs’ priorities in the run up to Christmas, are designed to help it react to new customer footfall patterns and shopping environment. The company will concentrate on its Christmas offering including the Festive Bake, Vegan-friendly Sweet Mince Pies, and Pigs Under Blankets Baguette.

It will continue to roll out its delivery service via Just Eat to more shops nationwide, develop its click and collect offer and reward customers for their loyalty with an updated Greggs Rewards scheme.

Another new development will see Greggs open new shops in areas where it can provide easy access for customers, especially those in cars.