Domino’s UK & Ireland to hire 5,000 seasonal staff for festive period

Domino's Pizza Group, the UK master franchise for the US fast-food giant, said Friday it will hire 5,000 seasonal staff across the United Kingdom and Ireland for the festive period as it seeks to revive momentum in its 40th year in business. The company plans to recruit more delivery drivers, in-store colleagues and pizza makers as it navigates a year in which its value has fallen about a third due to weaker demand and higher costs. Domino's opened its first store in Luton in 1985 and says the peak-season push is part of a broader effort to strengthen operations ahead of winter. Chief operating officer Nicola Frampton noted the company remains focused on the future even as it celebrates four decades in the market.

In a separate note on employment trends, Domino's cited a survey of about 2,000 people that found around 60% of 18- to 27-year-olds believe workplace experience and training matter more for career success than a university degree, and the same proportion would reconsider university if given the chance again.

The group highlighted its store-management training program, The Academy, which has supported more than 500 employees since its launch in 2022. Frampton said: "We're celebrating 40 years as the UK's no.1 pizza delivery brand but, as always, have more of an eye on the future than the past. We're proud to offer 5,000 seasonal roles across the UK and Ireland as we approach our busy peak season."

David Gregory, 60, a long-time Army Reserves medic who left the forces in 2008 after 18 years and three gruelling tours, began delivering pizzas for Domino's in Preston while waiting to qualify as a nurse. He found a sense of camaraderie at Domino's that kept him there and shifted to full-time driving. "When I left the army I felt the world on my shoulders, and I wanted to focus on what made me happy," he said. "I love driving, meeting customers and new staff members. The people I've worked with come from all kinds of walks of life, because the job is so flexible — what they have in common is being committed and caring about what they do." He was named Domino's Driver of the Year in 2018 for 10 years of service and, while now semi-retired, says he has no intention of quitting completely.

The recruitment push comes as Britain’s labour market remains strained, particularly in retail and hospitality, with official data showing job losses and a sharp fall in vacancies. Domino’s says the drive is aimed at delivering great quality food, world-class service and value for customers during a peak period, and highlights its ongoing efforts to attract capable people who can contribute to its next phase of growth.