Today’s news in brief – 26/02/25

Starbucks is set to cut 1,100 jobs as part of its global turnaround plan. Chief executive Brian Niccol stated that the decision aims to streamline the company’s structure by eliminating redundancies and forming smaller, more agile teams. While individual partners whose jobs are being eliminated have been informed, the group will continue to hire for priority positions that fit its new support structure. 

Cornish Bakery plans to open a further six locations throughout 2025, as well as undertake five refurbishment projects to increase seating capacity at its bakeries in Totnes, Swanage, Bude, Fowey and Sidmouth in preparation for Easter. The news follows the successful launch of a site in Cirencester earlier this year, which took the group’s estate to a total of 66 bakeries. In the second half of 2024, the company also saw like-for-like sales rise by 9.7%. 

The DWP will partner with UKHospitality to roll out hospitality-based training programmes for 26 new areas in need of jobs. The launch of the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) would follow a successful pilot of the scheme in 2024, which was run by the trade body and delivered an 85% completion rate. The SWAP will deliver “bespoke” training to people looking for work, as well as provide a work placement and a guaranteed interview.

Café Kitsuné is set to open in London’s Covent Garden in the spring. Opening at 55 Monmouth Street, the French-Japanese fusion concept will be the group’s second UK location; the other cafe is based in Belgravia. The new cafe will cover 530 sq ft, offering seating for 15 inside and eight al fresco. The signing of Café Kitsuné follows a “milestone” year of brand commitments at Covent Garden in 2024.