THE Pret A Manger outlet in Worcester has been earmarked for closure, it has been officially confirmed.

The company said the impact of coronavirus on trading has meant it had to make a "difficult decision" in closing 30 outlets nationally, with a loss of 1,000 jobs - and the High Street, Worcester branch is on the list set for closure.

We reported on June 18 that the sandwich and coffee chain had not reopened the Worcester outlet, despite other similar chains such as Starbucks reopening.

The company's 'post-pandemic restructuring' is taking place as a result of recent sales having dived by almost three-quarters – 74 per cent – compared with the same period last year.

Sales and footfall have been hit hard by a heavy reduction in the number of people travelling into city centres for office work, with more people working from home due to the pandemic.

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The company said it has faced “significant operating losses” following the outbreak, despite having now reopened more than 300 of its sites nationally.

Pret is set to soon start consultations with staff as it pushes forward with plans to shut these 30 sites in the second half of the year.

Chief executive Pano Christou said: “It’s a sad day for the whole Pret family, and I’m devastated that we will be losing so many employees.

“These decisions are not a reflection on anyone’s work or commitment, but we must make these changes to succeed in the new retail environment.

“Our goal now is to bring Pret to more people, through different channels and in new ways, so that we can continue to provide great jobs and opportunities to our remaining employees.”

The Worcester outlet only opened its doors in the former Santander bank building on the corner of High Street and St Swithin's Street in September 2017.