Thousands of Greggs employees will receive a £700 bonus after the chain’s record profits

THOUSANDS of Greggs employees will receive a bonus of more than £700 after the baker made record profits last year.

The high-flying chain will split £17.6 million between 25,000 employees who have worked there for at least six months.

Baked goods giant Greggs made record profits last year and will share them with employees who will receive a big bonusCredit: Alamy

The baking giant has shared ten percent of its profits with staff since the 1970s – and saw those profits rise by a quarter last year to £188.3 million.

Turnover at the value-driven company, which aims to increase its store count from 2,473 to 3,000 over the next five years, rose by a fifth to £1.8 billion.

The company has three 24-hour drive-thrus and 24-hour airport stores.

It plans to open a factory in Derby, creating around 1,000 jobs.

Nineteen in twenty Brits can recognize the blue and yellow square logo and Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and Olly Murs are fans.

Boss Roisin Currie said the staff bonus, which varies depending on length of service and hours, would be included in this month’s wages.

She explained that the success that led to this was partly down to Greggs’ awards.

Ms Currie added: “The cost of living crisis has affected more people than previously thought.

“People were looking for value for money and that’s what Greggs offers.

“I think the snobbery (about Greggs) has decreased.”

I’m an ex-Greggs employee and construction workers were our best and worst customers, but the secret discount made it worth the 12 hour shifts

She said the company, which started in Newcastle in 1939, focused on making “at least 30 percent of its range. . . healthy food”.

She promised “more explosive flavours”, with spicier additions to the menu, after food researchers concluded Britons’ tastes were changing.

Breakfast snack for McMuffin

THE bargain deal on bacon rolls and coffee has helped Greggs take a top spot among McDonald’s in takeaway breakfasts.

Greggs said it now has a 19.6 percent market share, eclipsing the nation’s love of a McMuffin for the first time.

It already claims to be Britain’s largest food-to-go brand.

Analysts agreed, calling Greggs the “king of breakfast” today.

Boss Roisin Currie said his breakfast sandwich meal at £2.75 – £2.85 in London – was cheaper than most takeaway coffees.

She said: “Where in London can you get a cup of coffee for £2.85?”