Costa Coffee is looking to hire over 2,000 new staff in the coming months | Photo credit: Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee is raising hourly worker wages by at least 5% in UK company-owned stores from 1 October 2021. 
 

The coffee chain is also looking to hire over 2,000 new staff in preparation for the festive season, with more store openings and higher consumer demand. 
 

According to a company press release, all store members will receive pay rises of at least 45p per hour, bringing minimum pay to £9.36 per hour. The company’s fully trained baristas will see pay increase by 65p per hour to £10.29. 
 

“We are committed to putting our team members first, investing in their safety and wellbeing and their long-term development, ensuring we remain a great place to work for all our current team members and the 2,000 team members we’ll be welcoming in the coming months,” said Neil Lake, Managing Director Costa Coffee UK & Ireland. 
 

Staff shortages in the hospitality industry are becoming increasingly problematic for operators re-opening following 18 months of Covid-19 disruption. 
 

As a result, many major food and beverage chains are raising wages to become more attractive to hospitality staff. 
 

In August 2021, coffee giant Starbucks announced hourly wage increases to at least $12 across all US stores, and up to or above $15 in some markets. In May 2021, fast-food chain Chipotle said it would increase hourly wages, bringing average pay up to $15 an hour.