Starbucks to hire 7,500 new UK staff with Scotland a focus of expansion

Starbucks plans to hire 7,500 new baristas across the UK over the next five years, with Scotland among the areas set to benefit.

The company is undergoing a major turnaround under chief executive Brian Niccol, which saw it close dozens of UK coffee shops last year. But the boss said last month that the business is now firmly in growth and eyeing further expansion.

500 new shops by 2031

In March, Starbucks said it planned to open 500 new coffee shops across the UK by 2031.

The Seattle-based company said on Monday that its expansion will bring a recruitment drive to add to its current UK workforce of more than 18,000.

The hiring will be particularly focused on the Midlands, the north of England, Wales and Scotland, as the company targets growth outside London and the south-east.

Rising labour costs

The plans come despite rising labour costs for businesses. The UK Government confirmed at last month's Budget that the national minimum wage will rise by 3.9% next April.

"You don't need previous industry experience"

Darren King, vice president and managing director of Starbucks UK, said: "We're proud to be creating thousands of new jobs across the UK over the next five years."

"At the heart of our Back to Starbucks strategy is our ambition to create a place where people can build skills, grow their careers and feel part of a team."

"We're deeply focused on how we can help more young people into these positions, starting by making entry-level roles as accessible as possible. You don't need previous industry experience and we'll give you the training and support you need from day one."

Good news for young jobseekers

Hospitality is one of the biggest employers of young people in Scotland, and entry-level roles like barista jobs are often a first step into work. The announcement comes as the UK Government prepares legislation requiring employers to state salaries in job adverts.