Pizza Hut worker 'shocked' at sudden closure

Pizza Hut said it was closing 68 sites around the country

A Pizza Hut worker who clocked on for his shift only to be told the branch was permanently shut has described his "shock".

Jack Twydale, 27, who has worked at the Hartlepool branch for nine years, said staff were informed on a Teams call that they were being made redundant with immediate effect.

The 27-year-old said it felt "bittersweet" to leave the building for the final time without having a chance to say goodbye to his team.

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut UK said 68 stores were closing with the loss of 1,210 jobs, but that 64 sites had been "safeguarded" as well as "associated jobs".

Mr Twydale said: "We were preparing to open as usual when the call came to cease all operations.

"We were told that effective immediately we were closed and everyone was being made redundant."

Jack Twydale had worked at the Hartlepool store for nine years

He said there had uncertainty among staff in recent weeks following hours being cut and opening hours changed.

"It's a shock and a shame, I have worked there for a very long time," Mr Twydale said.

"We have been messaging each other on our group chat, it all feels funereal."

Pizza Hut said it had "safeguarded" a further 64 sites

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut UK said: "We are pleased to secure the continuation of 64 sites to safeguard our guest experience and protect the associated jobs."

Nicolas Burquier, managing director of Pizza Hut Europe and Canada, said: "This targeted acquisition aims to safeguard our guest experience and protect jobs where possible."

He added that the immediate priority was "supporting colleagues through the transition".