Coffee chain Pret a Manger is to cut staff working hours and pay by a quarter across its 389 branches to manage a slow down in customer numbers since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
The company has emailed staff, most of whom earn the minimum wage or slightly more, telling them the reduction in hours will be implemented from the end of next week until 1 April.
It comes after the company delivered a statement to all emergency and NHS workers - promising free hot drinks as the nation continues to battle the life-threatening virus.
The company’s 8,000 staff were told it was triggering contractual clauses relating to "unforeseen, exceptional circumstances", and that the measures, such as shorter hours, would remain in place for at least three months.
Pret, which said it might cut hours further as the situation worsened, said the move was aimed at avoiding job cuts.
"Like many high street businesses, we’ve had to make temporary changes to our opening times and shop operations to reflect the significant changes in demand," said a Pret spokesman.
"However, no Pret team member is losing their job and we’re supporting all our teams through this crisis. As soon as the situation changes, or if the government announces further assistance, we will reverse these changes immediately."
On Wednesday, Pret which has 389 UK stores, shut all of its in-branch eating areas and moved to takeaway-only operations for the foreseeable future.
Reusable cups have been banned - while rivals Caffe Nero and Starbucks have also done the same.
The cuts come as Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, this week unveiled a 12-month business rates holiday for retailers, leisure and hospitality businesses as part of his £350billion emergency bailout package.
Business rates are one of the biggest fixed costs for retailers. Sainsbury’s has said the emergency measures will save it £500million.
