Prezzo ups wages amid recruitment struggle

Prezzo’s 2,500 restaurant team members will receive a minimum 4% pay rise in October. This increase will also apply to new joiners, with managers benefiting from a greater rise in pay.

The group, which is backed by Cain International, will also close all of its restaurants on Boxing Day this year. 

In a statement, Prezzo said: "“We have introduced new development and pay progression opportunities for both our kitchen and front of house teams and, to improve the attractiveness of management roles within our restaurants, we have increased pay for managers by an average of 5%.

"As a result of the increases, every Prezzo team member will be paid above the national minimum wage.

“The mental and physical health of our teams is a top priority. It was our primary focus throughout the pandemic and in acknowledgement of this, Prezzo has been shortlisted for the Best Mental Health Strategy at the Employee Benefits Awards 2021. Caring for every individual is at the heart of Prezzo.”

It comes as more hospitality firms find themselves forced to hike wages in a bid to attract and retain staff, as the sector continues to grapple with an unprecedented staffing crisis. 

Last week, Asian-inspired chain Itsu announced an 11% wage increase for entry-level team members​​.

The raise will see around 1,000 existing employees paid a minimum of £10.40 an hour. The increase - which is described by Itsu as ‘an attractive proposition for anyone wishing to launch their career with the organisation’ - applies to all company-owned restaurants, but will be optional for franchise operators.

Other brands to bring in pay rises include Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger. 

Costa Coffee announced a 5% pay rise for staff at its 1,500 UK company-owned outlets and an intention to recruit an additional 2,000 staff. On average, store team members will take home between £500 and £900 more per year.