6,000 staff could lose their jobs

What has happened?
Whitbread boss Alison Brittain said the company was hoping to avoid compulsory redundancies.
She said: "With demand for travel remaining subdued, we are now having to make some very difficult decisions, and it is with great regret that today we are announcing our intention to enter into a consultation process that could result in up to 6,000 redundancies in the UK, of which it is hoped that a significant proportion can be achieved voluntarily."
The reduction in travellers and those sharing a meal out has also hurt Whitbread. It said hotel stays in August had halved and diner numbers fell by more than a third.

WHY HAS IT HAPPENED?
The company blamed the cuts on a slump in hotel guest numbers since lockdown.
The company could also be affected by new rules forcing restaurants to shut at 22:00. From Thursday, hospitality venues will have to close earlier to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.