Pizzeria chain Franco Manca has announced plans to close 16 of its restaurants across the UK as part of a restructuring programme. The move places approximately 225 jobs at risk of redundancy. If your role is affected by these closures, it is important to understand your legal rights under England and Wales employment law, the consultation process, and your options.
What has been announced
- Franco Manca has announced a restructuring programme that involves shutting 16 restaurants across the UK.
- The planned closures place approximately 225 jobs at risk of redundancy across the business.
- The announcement was reported on 15 April 2026 as part of broader operational changes within the chain.
About the company
Franco Manca is a UK pizzeria chain operating restaurants across the hospitality sector.
What happens next
Under UK employment law, when an employer proposes to make 100 or more redundancies at one establishment within a 90-day period, collective consultation must last at least 45 days before any dismissals take effect. Where 20 to 99 redundancies are proposed, the minimum period is 30 days.
Because hospitality chains often treat individual branches as separate establishments, the exact collective consultation requirements will depend on how many redundancies are proposed at each specific site.
Affected staff should be invited to individual consultation meetings to discuss the proposals, explore alternative roles, and discuss potential ways to avoid dismissals.
Employees with at least two years of continuous service who are made redundant are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated using their age, weekly pay capped at the statutory limit, and length of service.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers undergoing restructuring may invite staff to apply for voluntary redundancy before making compulsory selections, though they are not legally obliged to do so.
If voluntary redundancy is offered, you can choose whether or not to apply. Franco Manca would retain discretion over whether to accept any application.
If compulsory redundancies take place, the company must apply fair, objective, and non-discriminatory selection criteria across any affected pools of staff.
Your settlement agreement
In some restructuring situations, employers offer settlement agreements to bring employment to an end on agreed terms, often providing an enhanced payment in exchange for waiving future legal claims.
For a settlement agreement to be legally binding, you must receive independent advice from a qualified legal adviser, such as an employment solicitor.
Employers typically cover or contribute towards the cost of obtaining this independent legal advice.
You are under no obligation to sign a settlement agreement immediately and should ensure the proposed terms and financial calculations properly reflect your entitlements.
Common questions
How many jobs are at risk at Franco Manca?
Reports state that approximately 225 jobs are at risk of redundancy as part of the plan to close 16 restaurants.
How long should the redundancy consultation take?
In England and Wales, collective consultation must last at least 45 days if 100 or more redundancies are planned at a single establishment, or 30 days for 20 to 99 redundancies. Whether collective consultation applies depends on how many roles are affected at each specific location.
Am I entitled to statutory redundancy pay?
To qualify for statutory redundancy pay, you must have been continuously employed by the company for at least two years. The exact amount depends on your age, length of service, and weekly pay up to statutory caps.
Can Franco Manca offer me an alternative role at another branch?
Yes. As part of a fair redundancy process, employers should consider whether suitable alternative employment is available within the business or wider group before making compulsory redundancies.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides clear, independent legal advice to employees facing redundancy or restructuring. Our employment solicitors can review your redundancy terms, advise on the fairness of the consultation process, and provide the mandatory independent legal sign-off required for settlement agreements.
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
- Franco Manca to shut 16 restaurants in restructuring with 225 jobs at risk - London Evening Standard — London Evening Standard (15 April 2026)
- Franco Manca to shut 16 restaurants in restructuring with 225 jobs at risk - Yahoo Finance UK — Yahoo Finance UK (15 April 2026)
Last updated 17 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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