Latest news: Greene King to create 3,000 jobs

Pub and restaurant chain Greene King is set to create 3,000 jobs over the next couple of years after it announced plans to expand its outlets in the UK. 12/12/2011

The brewery, which also owns the Loch Fyne restaurant chain, will open 150 new pubs and eateries between 2012 and 2014, hiring an estimated 1,000 extra workers each year.

Roles will be available across the entire company, including in management and business. However, a particular focus will be on apprenticeships, with the company planning on doubling its current number of 800 apprentices.

The news comes after Greene King posted a 9% increase in profits over the first half of 2011, with revenue up to £527.5million. The company bought 35 pubs during the period and saw a 16% growth in food sales.

‘We have been investing in the downturn. We have been recruiting really good people. We are pleased to offer 1,000 new jobs for each of the following three years. Greene King already has 20,000 people, and they are the biggest reason we succeed,’ said Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand.

Despite the positive economic forecast, Greene King plans on closing around 50 pubs during 2012 as it continues to focus on food sales.

Rival brewer Marston’s is also expanding after plans to build an extra 25 pubs creating 1,000 jobs were approved.