The Sunday Times has reported that Greene King is considering slashing around 100 jobs amid rumours of a restructure.
The UK’s second largest pub operator, which was founded in the 18th century, is considering the move just two years after its previous restructuring which it said would allow it to survive amid the post-Covid landscape.
READ MORE: Owner of almost 30 Oxfordshire pubs warns of more closures
Among the Oxfordshire pubs the business owns are The Lamb in Shipton under Wychwood, Ye Olde Cross Keys in Witney, Jude the Obscure in Oxford, Boundary House in Abingdon and The Acorn in Bicester.
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King (Image: Greene King/PA Wire)
According to the broadsheet’s report two weeks ago, the majority of jobs at risk are at its head office in Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire.
This comes as Greene King has repeatedly warned of major challenges within the pubs and hospitality industries.
Writing in the Daily Mail last year, Nick Mackenzie of Greene King said that a failure to “recognise the value of pubs and the need for support will simply result in more closures”.
The Boundary House in Abingdon (Image: Greene King)
This followed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ Budget on November 26.
Within that the Government confirmed a current 40 per cent business rates discount for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – which is capped at £110,000 per business – would end on March 31 next year.
READ MORE: Major Oxfordshire pub owner appoints restructuring firm
Following an outcry – including by Mr Mackenzie – the Government partially U-turned providing pubs and music venues in England with a 15 per cent reduction on new business rates bills.
The UK’s largest pub owner Stonegate has also been facing challenges and recently appointed a restructuring firm as it considers a £1 billion sale of its premises.
Stonegate Group owns thousands of bars and clubs around the country including eight in Oxfordshire.
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