Last Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants to close, with loss of 3,800 jobs, Premier Inn owner says

"Whitbread is set to cut about 3,800 jobs in the UK and Ireland, which represents around 12% of its workforce, as it restructures its business strategy amid rising costs and investor pressure."

"The company plans to convert all remaining branded restaurants into an integrated food and beverage offer preferred by hotel guests, which will also allow for the addition of more profitable extension rooms."

"Whitbread intends to recycle £1.5 billion from selling and leasing back its freehold properties to fund future growth, moving towards leasing more of its hotels."

Whitbread plans to cut approximately 3,800 jobs in the UK and Ireland, affecting 12% of its workforce. The company will close its remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants as part of a five-year business strategy reset. Consultations with affected employees will begin immediately, with efforts to retain a significant number of staff. Whitbread aims to convert underperforming restaurants into hotel rooms and intends to sell and lease back £1.5 billion of its properties to fund future growth.

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