This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50726611
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Wetherspoon 'to create 10,000 jobs over four years' | Wetherspoon 'to create 10,000 jobs over four years' |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon is to create 10,000 jobs in the UK and Republic of Ireland over the next four years, it has said. | UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon is to create 10,000 jobs in the UK and Republic of Ireland over the next four years, it has said. |
| The chain said it would invest £200m in new pubs and hotels, as well as enlarging existing ones. | |
| In common with other retailers, it has been battling rising costs including a hike in the minimum wage and higher property prices and energy bills. | |
| It has also faced shareholder unrest over £95,000 of pro-Brexit spending. | |
| Wetherspoon said the majority of the £200m investment will happen in small and medium-sized towns. | Wetherspoon said the majority of the £200m investment will happen in small and medium-sized towns. |
| It plans new pubs in Bourne, Waterford, Hamilton, Ely, Diss, Felixstowe, Newport Pagnell and Prestatyn. | It plans new pubs in Bourne, Waterford, Hamilton, Ely, Diss, Felixstowe, Newport Pagnell and Prestatyn. |
| It will also invest in major cities including London and Dublin. | It will also invest in major cities including London and Dublin. |
| Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin said: "We are especially pleased that a large proportion of the investment will be in smaller towns and cities which have seen a decline in investment in recent years." | |
| The firm plans about 60 new pubs, and at least four new hotels. | The firm plans about 60 new pubs, and at least four new hotels. |
| The jobs will be created gradually, and will be a mixture of pub management, bar staff, kitchen staff, and others. It will be a mixture of full time and part time roles. | |
| Wetherspoon has 875 pubs and 58 hotels in the UK and Republic of Ireland and has about 44,000 employees. | |
| The pub chain has faced investor unrest over £95,000 pro-Brexit spending on beermats, posters and booklets during the 2016 referendum campaign. | |
| Shareholder Pirc has also pushed for Mr Martin to resign as chairman over the length of his tenure. | |
| Mr Martin, an outspoken supporter of Brexit, has staged a nationwide tour to argue the case for the UK's departure from the EU, and has consistently said that a no-deal Brexit would be good for the UK economy. |