UK-based sandwich and coffee chain, Pret A Manger is entering into a hiring spree as it looks to recruit 3,000 employees by the end of 2022. The move is part of the firm’s plan to double its business size within the next five years as it recovers from the pandemic.

As per its plan, Pret will open 200 shops in the UK in the coming two years, and expand into five international markets by late 2023.

The expansion strategy is in line with recovering demand from commuters and office workers following lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Last year, the pandemic caused a severe impact on Pret’s business, which forced it to lay off 3,000 employee (equivalent to third of its workforce). The food chain reported a 58% loss in revenue in 2020, compared to a year before.

Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said that the most difficult period for their business was last year when it had to lay off many of its employees. However, it was about how they could ensure that the business would survive during the pandemic.

As of now, Pret A Manger is looking to revive its business, despite facing challenges like shortage of supply chain and lorry drivers alike many other businesses in the UK.

In addition to its recruitment drive, Pret also roped in a £100 million investment from its founder Sinclair Beecham and JAB to accelerate business expansion.

According to Mr. Christou, Pret stores are definitely getting busier since lifting up of coronavirus restrictions on 19 July.

Notably, since beginning of this year, number of employees at Pret has grown by 28%, with more than 6,000 employees in the UK. Of this, around 30% of the staff recruited this year were ex-employees of Pret.

Source Credit: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58643647