Bakery chain Greggs has warned that jobs are at risk across all its stores because of the “uncertain” trading conditions due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The firm, which has stores in Keswick and Penrith, said in a trading statement that it is in talks with unions and employee representatives about reducing staff hours ahead of the furlough scheme coming to an end.
It employs 25,000 people across the UK.
The statement said: “With the job retention scheme planned to end in October we are taking steps to ensure that our employment costs reflect the estimated level of demand from November onwards.
“With business activity levels remaining below normal for the foreseeable future we must change the way we work to be as productive and flexible as we can in order to protect as many jobs as possible for the long term.”
However, the bakery chain added activity had picked up in September following a slower August and it has also pledged to bring back more of its product range, including a broader sandwich range and Belgian buns.
