Starbucks plans to recruit 7,500 baristas across the UK over five years, according to reports from The Guardian and ITV News, while its accounts document a separate goal to open 500 more UK stores.
The Guardian and ITV News reported that hiring would focus on the Midlands, northern England, Wales and Scotland. The outlets did not say whether 7,500 means total hires or net additions, give a yearly schedule, or divide roles between company-operated and licensed stores.
Darren King, Starbucks UK vice president and managing director, told the outlets that the company wants to make it easier for young people to get a start in its stores.
Starbucks said it had 1,304 UK locations at the end of its financial year on Sept. 28, 2025: 398 company-operated and 906 licensed. It opened 92 stores in FY25 and planned to open more than 75 in FY26. The company says licensees operate most of its UK estate and are central to future growth.
Starbucks Coffee Company (UK) Ltd reported £556.3 million in FY25 revenue and a £29.8 million operating loss. The company said wage and benefit costs rose 7.8% from FY24, partly because of higher National Insurance contributions. Starbucks has not disclosed the hiring plan's cost or how expenses would be divided between the company and licensees.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training in April to June 2026, or 13.0% of that age group. The estimate fell by 30,000 from the previous quarter and rose by 30,000 from a year earlier. The ONS cautioned that short-term changes can be volatile; its next scheduled release is Nov. 26.
