Starbucks to create 5,000 UK jobs as it expands drive through outlets
The Starbucks coffee chain has announced plans to create 5,000 jobs in the UK as it increases the number of drive through stores it operates over the next five years.
The company, which currently has 700 UK stores, wants to grow the number of UK drive through outlets from nine to 200. Around half of them will be opened in partnership with Euro Garages. Starbucks opened its first drive through outlet in the UK in 2008.
The company has also announced plans to open a further 100 conventional Starbucks outlets.
Commenting on the plans, Starbucks UK managing director Kris Engskov
said: “Customers told us that they now expect the best possible coffee wherever they are and the success of our first drive-thru stores shows this is a huge opportunity.
“It also means that we are able to create quality jobs at a time when they are most needed and because half of our baristas are under 24 years-old, this will particularly benefit young job-seekers at a time of record youth unemployment.”
The government welcomed the news with Prime Minister David Cameron saying: “I welcome Starbucks’ announcement, and I am glad to see continued investment and job creation in the private sector.”
