Greggs plans 500 new jobs as bakery chain opens more shops

(Greggs)

Bakery chain Greggs is planning to create 500 new jobs, as it expands with more shops following a jump in first-half sales.

The company recorded total sales of £546.2 million in the first half. That is up from £300.6 million a year earlier when there was initial Covid-19 disruption, and just slightly below what was posted for the same period pre-pandemic in 2019.

The sausage roll seller has had more competition on the high street since April, when the hospitality sector started reopening.

But sales in the second quarter still exceeded the firm’s expectations, delivering like-for-like sales growth versus the same three months in 2019.

For the six months to July 3 Greggs posted a pre-tax profit of £55.5 million, from a £65.2 million loss last year.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside said: "Whilst there continue to be general uncertainties in the market, given our recent performance we now expect full year profit to be slightly ahead of our previous expectation."

The FTSE 250 company had 2,115 shops as at early July. It anticipates 100 net new store openings in 2021, which is expected to create 500 new retail roles in second half.

New sites planned include a branch at Canary Wharf.

Read More

Greggs toasts sales growth since lockdowns eased

Greggs is coming to Canary Wharf, and sales are improving at the bakery chain