1,100 jobs at risk as Pizza Express closes 73 outlets

Restaurant chain Pizza Express has announced the potential loss of over a thousand jobs as a result of the closure of 73 of its UK outlets.

The firm is set to close outlets across the country following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent business disruption. It is expected that 1,100 roles will be affected by the closures.

The company has confirmed it plans to sell the business, which is majority-owned by Chinese firm Hony Capital. and has appointed Lazard to lead the sale process.

Pizza Express, which currently has 454 restaurants, has stressed that it will protect over 9,000 jobs.

Zoe Bowley, Pizza Express’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, commented: “Unfortunately, the impact of the global pandemic has meant that we have had to make some incredibly tough decisions to safeguard Pizza Express for the long term.”

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