The company said, while announcing a 36% hike in annual profits to £561m, that it was to begin a consultation on cutting roles under an 'accelerating growth plan'. That was to focus on hotel investment, Whitbread explained, that could see some of the jobs saved through redeployment. Money latest: State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations' The group's restaurant arm includes the Brewers Fayre and Beefeater brands.
Whitbread said it wanted to sell 126 of its less profitable branded restaurants, with 21 sales already having gone through. It will also convert 112 restaurants into new hotel rooms. Dominic Paul, Whitbread's chief executive, said: 'We recognise that our transition will impact some of our team members so we will be providing support throughout this process and we are committed to working hard to enable as many as possible of those affected to remain with us.