Subway opens 2,500th store as part of plan that will create 5,000 new jobs

Subway has announced its expansion plans will create 5,000 new jobs in the UK and Ireland by 2020.

The proposal comes as the quick-service restaurant opens its 2,500th store in the region and aims to reach a total of 3,000 in the next three years.

The anticipated growth would take the total number of people employed by Subway franchisees in the UK and Ireland to 24,000.

The expansion plans are in response to consumer demand for more affordable and healthier eating options.

Owned by a network of franchisees, three-fifths of Subway stores are located on high streets in the UK and Ireland.

An independent report conducted by the Centre for Economic and Business Research found that over 82 per cent of franchisees thought Subway stores had a positive effect on the local area.

Subway now contributes 1.1 per cent of the total of new business creation in the food and beverage industry.

Peter Dowding, country director for UK and Ireland, says: “Our fantastic growth is a testament to the hard work and effort of our franchisees. Our franchise model is tried and tested, it works for entrepreneurs and it works for us.

“With 5,000 new jobs expected over the next three years, opening up a further 500 stores demonstrates not only the value of the business to our franchisees, but also, collectively, the real and significant contribution to British and Irish economies.”