KFC Profits Surge to £97.6m Despite Job Cuts in the UK
Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025 Reading Time:
KFC has reported a sharp rise in profit across its UK operations, despite shedding jobs and seeing a fall in turnover.
Newly filed accounts show that the fast-food chain recorded a pre-tax profit of £97.6m in 2024, up from £59.1m the previous year. At the same time, its workforce contracted from 2,690 employees to 2,518. Turnover also slipped from £294.5m to £280.2m.
According to the company, the decline in turnover was partly driven by “trading conditions” affecting store sales. KFC also noted that advertising rights in Germany, previously held under its UK entity, were transferred to another group company in 2023.
Expansion Through Acquisition
In 2024, KFC expanded its footprint by acquiring Clokken and its Irish division from EG Group. The deal included the transfer of trade and operations for 216 KFC restaurants, bolstering its presence across the UK and Ireland.
Long-Term Job Creation Pledge
Despite the reduction in current staff numbers, KFC has pledged significant job creation over the coming years. Earlier this year, it announced a £1.5bn investment plan for the UK and Ireland, which includes opening 500 new restaurants by 2035 and creating more than 7,000 jobs over the next five years.
The investment will be directed towards flagship locations and drive-thru outlets in key areas such as Ireland and North West England. KFC has also committed to upgrading over 200 existing restaurants—around 20 per cent of its estate—and investing £583m specifically in new job creation. A further £404m will be dedicated to strengthening ties with suppliers and supporting wider business growth across the UK and Ireland.
Wider Group Performance
KFC’s results follow strong performance across its parent company Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. In August, it was reported that Yum! Brands’ European division achieved a pre-tax profit of $1.2bn (£892.7m) in 2024, more than tripling its profit of $317.1m (£235.8m) in 2023.
The results underline the resilience of the fast-food sector, which continues to adapt to challenging trading conditions while positioning for long-term growth.