Starbucks has announced restructuring measures affecting both retail store staff and corporate office roles in the UK. If your position is at risk, understanding your employment rights under the law of England and Wales will help you navigate the process clearly.
What has been announced
- On 26 September 2025, it was reported that Starbucks is set to close an unspecified number of UK stores as part of a global restructuring programme, placing store employees at risk of redundancy.
- On 19 June 2026, it was reported that Starbucks is cutting corporate office roles across the UK and Hong Kong as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts.
- The total number of affected roles across both announcements remains unstated.
About the company
Starbucks is an international coffeehouse company operating in the hospitality and food and beverage sector.
In the UK, its operations include retail coffee shops as well as corporate office teams.
What happens next
Employers proposing redundancies must follow a fair consultation process before making final decisions.
Where an employer plans 20 to 99 redundancies at an establishment within 90 days, collective consultation must last at least 30 days. For 100 or more redundancies, the consultation period must last at least 45 days.
Where fewer than 20 redundancies are proposed, individual consultation is required to review selection criteria and explore potential alternatives.
Employees with at least two continuous years of service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated according to age, weekly earnings subject to the statutory cap, and years of service.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
During restructuring, employers may offer staff the opportunity to apply for voluntary redundancy before proceeding to compulsory selections.
Submitting an application for voluntary redundancy does not guarantee acceptance, as the employer decides based on business requirements.
If compulsory redundancies are required, employers must use objective, fair, and non-discriminatory criteria to select roles for redundancy.
Your settlement agreement
An employer may propose a settlement agreement to resolve an employee's departure, typically offering an agreed payment in exchange for waiving statutory employment claims.
For a settlement agreement to be legally binding under England and Wales law, the employee must receive independent legal advice on the terms and effect of the document.
Employers standardly provide a financial contribution toward the employee's legal fees for obtaining this advice.
Common questions
How many UK jobs are being cut by Starbucks?
The exact number of job cuts across UK stores and corporate office positions has not been stated in the restructuring announcements.
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
Under the law of England and Wales, you qualify for statutory redundancy pay if you have worked continuously for your employer for at least two years.
How long should the redundancy consultation take?
The collective consultation period must last a minimum of 30 days if 20 to 99 redundancies are proposed at one establishment, or 45 days if 100 or more are planned.
Do I need a solicitor if I am offered a settlement agreement?
Yes. A settlement agreement is only legally valid if you receive advice from a qualified independent adviser, such as an employment solicitor. Employers usually contribute to these legal fees.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors advises UK employees through every stage of redundancy. We review settlement agreements, explain statutory and contractual entitlements, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the restructuring process.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
Sources
- Starbucks Cuts UK, Hong Kong Office Jobs In Restructuring Effort - Bloomberg News - TradingView — TradingView (19 June 2026)
- Starbucks to close some UK stores amid global restructuring - News - The Caterer — The Caterer (26 September 2025)
Last updated 9 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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