JD Wetherspoon is to cut around a third of jobs at its head office as it seeks to cut costs amid falling pub and restaurant sales during the coronavirus pandemic.

The pub chain said between 110 and 130 of the 417 people employed at its office locations throughout the UK could lose their jobs, although no firm decisions have yet been taken.

Pub workers will not be affected by the changes, Wetherspoons said.

Hospitality businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic which saw them forced to close their doors for weeks before being allowed to re-open last month.

Wetherspoons is among thousands of businesses to benefit from a range of government support for the sector, including the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme which offers diners up to £10 off a meal during August.

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