Midland brewer Marston’s outlined plans to create 3,000 jobs in the next two years despite tough times for the pub sector.

Marston’s chief executive Ralph Findlay said the plans were a result of its programme to build new pub restaurants across the UK.

Wolverhampton-based Marston’s, which also runs over 2,000 pubs across the UK, said the Budget decision to take a penny off the price of a pint for the second year running was a boost to the industry.

Mr Findlay said: “Marston’s is creating 3,000 new jobs over the next two years in its programme to build new pub restaurants across the UK. Two consecutive budgets have been positive for the pub and brewing industry which gives the business confidence to plan continued investment and provides clarity for forward planning.”

Ralph Findlay, CEO of Marston's PLC
Ralph Findlay, CEO of Marston's PLC

The announcement was made on the same day the Chancellor George Osborne visited the Marston’s brewery in Wolverhampton, which employs 13,000 people nationwide including over 1,200 at the Wolverhampton site.

Mr Osborne said thanks to the Government’s actions, duty on a pint is now 8p lower than it would have been under previous plans.

He said: “Our economic plan is all about creating jobs and economic security. Our pubs and brewers also employ thousands of people up and down the country and it is great news that Marston’s are today creating 3,000 new jobs following the Budget.”