STAFF at Frankie & Benny’s in Dudley and at intu Merry Hill face an anxious wait to find out if their jobs are safe following news that up to 120 of the popular restaurants across the country may close.

PA news agency has reported that up to 3,000 jobs are likely to be affected nationally as The Restaurant Group (TRG), which runs the popular Italian-American style diners, is not looking to re-open between 100 to 120 sites when lockdown restrictions ease.

It is not known yet whether the Merry Hill and Dudley restaurants will be affected.

In an email to managers seen by the BBC on Tuesday, the company - which is one of the largest restaurant operators in Britain - said the COVID-19 crisis had “significantly impacted” on its ability to trade profitably.

It said many sites were no longer viable – adding: “We’ve taken the decision to close these restaurants now.”

The Restaurant Group, which also owns Garfunkels, has about 600 outlets across the UK, with about 22,000 workers on furlough.

In March, TRG was forced to shut 60 of its Chiquito Mexican-style outlets as well as its Food & Fuel chain of pubs in London after falling into administration.