Greggs has announced proposals to close four factories, placing around 740 jobs at risk across its operations. If your role is affected by these plans, you have specific legal rights under England and Wales employment law regarding consultation, redundancy pay, and potential settlement terms.
What has been announced
- Greggs announced plans on 30 September 2026 to close four factories as part of an operational restructuring.
- The proposed factory closures put approximately 740 jobs at risk.
- A facility in the North East is among the sites earmarked for closure.
- Leadership stated that the closures are intended to future-proof the business, keep customer prices down, and adapt to changing customer expectations.
About the company
Greggs is a major UK retail bakery chain operating production facilities and shops across the country.
The company produces and sells bakery items, sandwiches, and hot food to consumers across the UK retail food sector.
What happens next
Because Greggs proposes to make 100 or more redundancies, it must conduct a collective consultation process lasting at least 45 days before any dismissals take effect.
Consultations must take place with trade union representatives or elected employee representatives to explore ways of avoiding dismissals, reducing numbers, and mitigating consequences.
Individual consultation meetings will follow to discuss how the proposals impact individual roles and whether alternative employment within Greggs is available.
Employees who are made redundant and have at least two years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on age, weekly pay capped at the statutory limit, and length of service.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers often invite applications for voluntary redundancy during large restructuring exercises before moving to compulsory selection.
Applying for voluntary redundancy does not guarantee acceptance, as the company retains the discretion to select which roles to retain or release.
If compulsory redundancies proceed, fair and objective selection criteria must be used, and selected employees should be given the opportunity to challenge their scoring or explore redeployment.
Your settlement agreement
Greggs may offer enhanced redundancy terms through a formal document known as a settlement agreement.
In exchange for financial compensation above the statutory minimum, a settlement agreement typically requires you to waive future legal claims against the business.
For a settlement agreement to be legally binding, you must receive advice from an independent legal adviser, such as a qualified employment solicitor.
Employers usually contribute toward the legal fees required to obtain this independent advice.
Common questions
How many jobs are affected by the Greggs announcement?
Greggs has announced plans to cut around 740 jobs in connection with the proposed closure of four factories.
Which Greggs locations are affected?
The proposals involve closing four factories, with reports confirming that a facility in the North East is among the sites earmarked for closure.
How long will the redundancy consultation last?
Under England and Wales law, collective redundancy consultations must last at least 45 days when 100 or more dismissals are proposed at an establishment.
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
Employees with at least two years of continuous service at the date of dismissal qualify for statutory redundancy pay, which is based on age, length of service, and capped weekly earnings.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides clear, practical legal advice to employees facing redundancy. Our employment solicitors can review your proposed settlement agreement, explain your statutory rights, and ensure any exit terms offered by your employer are fully understood and fair.
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
- Greggs boss says job losses are needed to keep its prices down as North East site set for closure - Chronicle Live — Chronicle Live (30 September 2026)
- Factory closure plan will ‘future proof’ Greggs, says boss as 740 jobs cut - London Evening Standard — London Evening Standard (30 September 2026)
- Greggs to shut four factories and cut 740 jobs — BBC (30 September 2026)
- Greggs to close four UK factories with potential for 740 job losses - theguardian.com — theguardian.com (30 September 2026)
- Greggs announces hundreds of job losses - Yahoo News UK — Yahoo News UK (30 September 2026)
- Greggs announces hundreds of job losses - Yahoo Finance UK — Yahoo Finance UK (30 September 2026)
- Bakery chain Greggs announces hundreds of job losses - The Independent — The Independent (30 September 2026)
- Greggs lifts 2026 outlook as it plans four factory closures and 740 job cuts - Yahoo Finance UK — Yahoo Finance UK (30 September 2026)
Last updated 30 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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