Starbucks to hire 7,500 baristas by 2031, with the Midlands a priority for new jobs

Starbucks plans to recruit 7,500 new baristas across the UK over the next five years, and says the hiring drive will be concentrated on the Midlands, northern England, Wales and Scotland as it grows beyond London and the South East.

The coffee chain announced the plan on 9 November. The new staff will join its existing UK workforce of more than 18,000, and the recruitment is tied to the firm's plan, revealed in March, to open 500 new coffee shops across the country by 2031.

Entry-level jobs for young people

Starbucks is one of the UK's biggest employers of young people: more than half of the workforce in its company-operated stores is aged under 24. The firm says it wants to make entry-level roles as accessible as possible, and that no previous experience is needed.

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, bringing new opportunities to communities across the country as we continue to invest and grow here."

"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," he said. "You don't need previous industry experience and we'll give you the training and support you need from day one."

A turnaround after closures

The announcement marks a change of direction. The Seattle-based company has been going through a turnaround under chief executive Brian Niccol, which saw dozens of UK outlets close last year. Last month, Mr Niccol said the business was firmly positioned for growth after two years of simplifying its menu, investing in staff and restructuring to improve customer service.

The hiring push also comes at a time when labour costs are rising. At last month's Budget, the government confirmed that the national minimum wage will go up by 3.9% next April, an increase that hospitality employers have to absorb.

"Hugely welcome"

Alongside the announcement, Starbucks published research it had commissioned, which found that 68% of 18 to 35-year-olds surveyed see retail and hospitality jobs as temporary or "stopgap" work. The company says it wants to show these roles can lead to real careers.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, backed the move. "At a time when too many young people are struggling to get a foot on the career ladder, this investment is hugely welcome," she said.

"Retail and hospitality are vital routes into the workplace, helping young people build skills, confidence and experience while offering genuine opportunities to progress."

What it could mean for Birmingham

Starbucks has not said how many of the jobs or new shops will be in Birmingham, or when individual openings will be announced. But with the Midlands named as one of the priority regions, the city and its suburbs, retail parks and transport hubs are likely to feature in the expansion.

For Birmingham, one of the youngest cities in Europe, a steady supply of entry-level jobs with training matters. Hospitality is often where young people get their first payslip, learn to work in a team and gain the experience that leads on to other careers. Anyone interested can find vacancies on the Starbucks UK careers website as roles are advertised.