Domino’s planning to hire 8,000 new drivers

Domino’s plans to hire more than 8,000 drivers in the UK and ireland as part of preparations for the busy Christmas period.

The pizza group will join shops, bars, restaurants and online retailers in the battle for staff over the festive season, as shoppers splash out after last year’s cancelled celebrations.

some of Domino’s franchisees have raised wages to up to £12 per hour for drivers – or just under £22,000 per year – matching increases seen elsewhere.

it is the latest company to raise wages. Waitrose lorry drivers are being offered up to £53,780 a year, while Asos has been forced to raise hourly wages for warehouse staff from £9.65 to between £12 and £13.

Amazon is offering new warehouse workers a £1,000 joining bonus, and starting wages of at least £10 per hour to attract recruits.

Domino’s revealed it sold seven pizzas per second in the three months to september 26, helping it grow sales by 8.8pc to £375.8m.

But it is expected to face a tough period as consumers spend more time socialising outside the home.

Wayne Brown, of Liberum, said: ‘There are some serious clouds on the horizon.’