Greggs’ chief executive, Roger Whiteside, said he was “very saddened by the need to part company with around 820 friends and colleagues, many of whom have worked with us for many years”.
Coronavirus restrictions across the UK mean the “battle with COVID hasn’t gone away”, he added.
Mr Whiteside said: “At lockdown levels of sales, even after all of the mitigating action that we have taken, Greggs will not be profitable as a business and there can be no room for complacency.”
He continued: “Some stores have staff hours which are just off what’s needed for current demand. But others are a long way off and will need significant change.”
– Religious leaders challenge decision to close churches
More than 100 church leaders are seeking a judicial review of the decision by the government to ban people from worshipping together in England.
They are also challenging a similar ban by the Welsh Government during its 17-day “firebreak” which ended earlier this month.
They claim the restrictions on public worship breach Article 9 of the Human Rights Act on freedom to express religious beliefs.
Pastor Ade Omooba, who is leading the challenge, said: “We have been left with no alternative but to pursue a judicial review on this crucial issue and at this significant moment for the freedom to worship in church in this country.
“We call on the government to recognise the vital importance of church ministry and the principle of church autonomy from the state.”
