Greggs to close four sites and cut 740 jobs as it reshapes operations

Greggs said on Tuesday it will close four of its production sites and eliminate 740 roles, part of a restructuring aimed at adapting to shifting consumer habits.

The closures will affect factories in Newcastle, Hull, Doncaster and Cardiff, the company confirmed, with the cuts representing roughly 7% of its UK workforce.

"We must keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations," the firm said in a statement.

Greggs, the UK's largest bakery chain, has faced a slowdown in footfall and rising input costs over the past year, prompting senior executives to review its cost base.

Union representatives have warned that the job losses will hit communities already grappling with high unemployment, particularly in the North East and South Wales.>

Analysts at Barclays noted that the move could improve margins if the company successfully consolidates production, but cautioned that the short‑term disruption may dent sales.

Greggs said it will invest in its remaining sites and accelerate its digital and delivery services, aiming to offset the impact of the closures.

Local councils in the affected areas have pledged support for displaced workers, including retraining schemes and job‑search assistance.

The restructuring follows a broader trend in the UK food sector, where retailers are streamlining supply chains to cope with inflationary pressures and changing eating patterns.

Greggs expects the closures to be completed by the end of the financial year, with the company forecasting a modest rise in profit for the next quarter.