British coffeehouse chain, part of Costa Limited, with global reach
The government has launched a youth jobs grant to hire 18- to 24-year-olds on universal credit for six months, offering firms £3,000 per recruit. The move aligns with a jobs guarantee and broader poverty-reduction efforts, while education and childcare supports expand. Roundtable discussions with hospitality leaders accompany the policy rollout.
Greggs has reported a 7.2% rise in half-year sales to £1.1bn, driven by 34 net new stores and a shifted focus to higher-protein salads and iced beverages. Pre-tax profit has jumped about 20% to £76m as it expands formats and maintains price stability amid inflation; the chain is also trialling Greggs Express in petrol forecourts.