In July 2024, Cineworld announced a restructuring plan for its UK business involving cinema closures and job cuts as it works to return to financial stability. Reports indicate that hundreds of jobs may be affected across its estate. If you work for Cineworld in England or Wales, this guide explains your redundancy rights, statutory consultation periods, and what to expect during the restructuring process.
What has been announced
- On 25 July 2024, reports indicated that Cineworld plans to cut hundreds of jobs as part of a restructuring plan across its cinema estate.
- On 26 July 2024, Cineworld confirmed a UK restructuring plan involving theatre closures and job cuts aimed at restoring financial stability.
- The exact number of redundancies and specific cinema locations earmarked for closure were not detailed in the initial announcements.
About the company
Cineworld is a major cinema operator in the entertainment industry.
The group also owns the US cinema chain Regal alongside its UK and international cinema operations.
What happens next
Under employment law in England and Wales, employers proposing collective redundancies must follow statutory consultation processes before any dismissals take effect.
Where an employer plans 20 to 99 redundancies at one establishment within 90 days, collective consultation must last at least 30 days.
When 100 or more redundancies are proposed within 90 days, collective consultation must last at least 45 days.
Consultations must cover ways to avoid dismissals, reduce the number of affected staff, and mitigate the consequences for those affected.
Employees with two or more years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on age, length of service, and weekly earnings up to statutory limits.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers often invite expressions of interest in voluntary redundancy before initiating compulsory dismissals.
Accepting voluntary redundancy is optional, and terms may sometimes provide compensation beyond the statutory minimum.
Compulsory redundancy applies when an employer selects specific roles to be cut following a formal assessment.
Where compulsory redundancies occur, the employer must apply objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory selection criteria.
Your settlement agreement
Employers undergoing restructuring may offer settlement agreements to bring employment to an end on mutually agreed terms.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract in which an employee agrees to waive potential employment claims, typically in return for an agreed financial package.
For a settlement agreement to be valid under the law of England and Wales, the employee must receive advice from an independent legal adviser, such as an employment solicitor.
Employers usually pay a standard contribution towards the employee's legal costs for reviewing and signing the agreement.
Common questions
How many jobs are being cut at Cineworld?
It has been reported that Cineworld plans to cut hundreds of jobs as part of its restructuring plan, although an exact official number has not been published in the announcements.
What are my rights to statutory redundancy pay?
To qualify for statutory redundancy pay in England and Wales, you must have been continuously employed by the business for at least two years. The amount is determined by a statutory formula based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay up to the statutory cap.
How long will the redundancy consultation last?
The minimum consultation period depends on the scale of proposed redundancies at a single establishment. If 20 to 99 roles are at risk, consultation must last at least 30 days. If 100 or more redundancies are planned, the consultation period must last at least 45 days.
Do I have to accept a settlement agreement if one is offered?
No, you are under no obligation to sign a settlement agreement. You are entitled to independent legal advice to assess whether the terms, payments, and release of claims are fair before making a decision.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides clear, practical advice to employees affected by redundancy and restructuring programmes across England and Wales. Our employment solicitors advise on the fairness of redundancy procedures, statutory redundancy pay calculations, and the terms of settlement agreements, helping you understand your rights and protect your interests.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
If your role is in London, our settlement agreement solicitors London can review the package before you sign.
Sources
- Regal-Owner Cineworld Unveils UK Restructuring With Job Cuts, Theatre Closures - The Hollywood Reporter — The Hollywood Reporter (26 July 2024)
- Cineworld to axe hundreds of jobs in blockbuster restructuring plan - Sky News — Sky News (25 July 2024)
Last updated 17 October 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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