Prezzo announces 4% pay increase and Boxing Day closure

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.

A company statement from the Cain International-backed restaurant chain 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 wage increases, every Prezzo team member will be paid above the national minimum wage, the company said. Itsu, Costa Coffee and Pret are other operators that have recently announced wage increases for staff during the ongoing labour shortage.

“The mental and physical health of our teams is a top priority, the statement continues, “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.”

Karen Jones, executive chair, Prezzo said: “Alongside this pay rise and in recognition of the extraordinary efforts of our team since reopening, all Prezzo restaurants will close on Boxing Day to give our teams a two-day break during the busiest trading period of the year. We hope every Prezzo person has a very happy Christmas after the disruption of last year.