Jamie Oliver Group axes 20% of workforce ahead of high street comeback

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s holding company has axed a fifth of its workforce, even as he plots a high street restaurant comeback six years after his Jamie’s Italian chain collapsed into administration.

Sky News has learnt that Jamie Oliver Group - which is not connected to the newly revived restaurant business - is making 25 of its 126 staff redundant. A spokeswoman confirmed by email that "the consultation [process] is complete" and the numbers of staff affected, but refused to answer further questions, including about why the restructuring was taking place and whether the 25 employees had formally left the company.

The chef's group operations include his media activities such as digital content and partnerships with third parties. Last year, Kevin Styles, a former executive at Thomas Cook and the cinema chain Vue, stepped down as chief executive of Jamie Oliver Group after just over two years in the role.

The company's spokeswoman said he had been replaced, but declined to provide further details, and no announcement about the changes was apparent on the group's website. The return to the British casual dining scene of Jamie's Italian is being orchestrated through a partnership with Brava Hospitality Group, the owner of Prezzo.

Read more from Sky News:Economy shrank by 0.1% in OctoberMail owner lines up bank to fund Telegraph bidBurger King UK lands new backing "As a chef, having the chance to return to the high street is incredibly important to me," Mr Oliver said last week. "I will drive the menus, make sure the sourcing is right, the staff training, and ensure the look and feel of the restaurant is brought to life in the right way." The chain's demise in 2019 resulted in about 1,000 job losses and came after frantic efforts to find a buyer for the business..