Greggs said it had launched a consultation that would consider proposals that could lead to the closure of four sites, resulting in around 740 roles becoming redundant over a period of two and a half years. The company said the changes were “necessary to ensure Greggs continues to meet capacity requirements for growth in the years ahead in the most cost-efficient manner”.

Manufacturing at four factories was said to be put forward for closure, comprising facilities in Enfield in Greater London, Seaham in County Durham, the North Lakes near Penrith in Cumbria and Pettigrews in Kelso, Scotland. Greggs highlighted that its Enfield site would still be used for distribution.

The closures would leave Greggs with manufacturing operations focused across six sites: Clydesmill, Gosforth, Balliol, Leeds, Manchester and Derby, with its retail stores unaffected by the proposed changes.

The announcement comes as Greggs reported a 7.7% rise in total sales for the 13 weeks to 26th September 2026, and 7.4% for the 39 weeks to 26th September 2026. Like-for-like sales were up by 3.4% for the 13 weeks to 26th September 2026, and 2.6% for the 39 weeks to 26th September 2026.

Commenting on the proposal, Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, said: “Greggs is a strong and growing business, and we continue to invest significantly in our future. To continue building a successful business for the future, we must keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations. We want to ensure Greggs remains a strong, sustainable business for decades to come.

“Greggs manufacturing and logistics network remains a key strength of the business, and these proposals are intended to strengthen our manufacturing network, improve efficiency and ensure we remain well placed for the future while continuing to deliver the quality, value and service our customers expect.”

Union calls for Greggs to retain and redeploy employees

Sarah Woolley, general secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), commented: “The BFAWU is deeply concerned by the announcement from Greggs, which places hundreds of workers and their livelihoods at risk as part of proposed changes to the company’s manufacturing network.

“Greggs is clear in its own announcement that the business continues to perform strongly, that more customers are choosing Greggs than ever before, and that it is investing significantly to support further growth. Against that backdrop, our members will understandably be asking why their jobs and livelihoods should now be put at risk in the name of efficiency and future progression.

“We recognise that Greggs has stated that no final decisions have been made and that a consultation process will now take place. BFAWU will be entering that process determined to scrutinise these proposals in full, challenge the business case where necessary and explore every possible alternative to compulsory redundancies and site closures.

“That must include examining opportunities for retaining work at affected sites, redeployment, retraining and alternative roles, as well as questioning decisions to move work elsewhere or source products from external suppliers where that threatens existing Greggs jobs.

“BFAWU will be working closely with our members and representatives throughout the consultation process. We will ensure their voices are heard loudly and clearly, and we expect Greggs to engage with us meaningfully and genuinely consider alternatives put forward as they have historically.”