Starbucks is set to create 7,500 new barista jobs as part of a major UK expansion plan.
The coffee chain announced the roles as part of its broader strategy to open 500 new coffee shops across the country by 2031, building on its existing UK workforce of more than 18,000.
Recruitment will be focused on regions including the Midlands, the north of England, Wales and Scotland, as the company targets growth areas outside London.
Darren King, vice-president and managing director at 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.
"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."
Mr King said the company is particularly focused on making opportunities accessible to young people.
Mr King said: "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."
The announcement comes despite rising labour costs, with the national minimum wage set to increase by 3.9 per cent in April.
More than half of Starbucks’ UK staff in company-operated stores are under the age of 24, reflecting the company’s role as a major employer of young people.
Research commissioned by Starbucks found that 68 per cent of 18–35-year-olds believe retail and hospitality jobs are viewed as temporary or stopgap work.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, welcomed the investment.
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Ms Dickinson said: "At a time when too many young people are struggling to get a foot on the career ladder, this investment is hugely welcome.
"Retail and hospitality are vital routes into the workplace, helping young people build skills, confidence and experience while offering genuine opportunities to progress."
Starbucks’ UK expansion follows a period of restructuring under the leadership of Brian Niccol, which included store closures and operational changes.
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