Starbucks announces it's giving away free drinks to millions of ...

Starbucks has announced that they are giving away free drinks to millions of workers in an offer that will only be valid until the end of today. 

While Brits may be bracing themselves to run to their nearest branch of the major outlet, the offer is only valid for people in a certain type of employment. 

Anyone who is an NHS worker will be able to bag a free drink at many stores across the UK due to the brand's partnership with NHS Charities Together. 

On Thursday, NHS staff can claim any free tall drink by showing a valid NHS staff ID at the till. While Blue Light discount cards will not be accepted, holders do get 10 per cent off at Starbucks all year round.

Although the promotion is valid at numerous stores across the UK, it is important to check if it will be valid at your local store, as not every branch is included in the promotion. 

The collaboration, which is now in its fifth year, will also see Starbucks send festive treats to 10 ambulance stations. 

Furthermore, NHS staff visiting participating We Proudly Serve Starbucks stands in hospitals can receive a free milk chocolate gold coin when they buy any hot drink, subject to availability. 

It began during the coronavirus pandemic, when Starbucks began donating money and items to the charity, which supports NHS staff and helps improve care by funding services and equipment not covered by government funds.

Starbucks has announced that they are giving away free drinks to millions of workers in an offer that will only be valid until the end of today (file image)

In the five years since then, Starbucks has donated over 500,000 food and drinks items to NHS staff, and given more than £3.9million to the fund, per its website.

As well as running nationwide campaigns, Starbucks gives its individual stores the chance to partner with their local NHS charity and make a difference in their own communities.

Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK, said: “We’re proud to offer this giveaway for the fifth year running to say a small thank you to NHS staff for their remarkable service. Starbucks has always been a place where people come together and we hope that NHS staff can do just that on Thursday over a coffee on us. 

'Thank you to our ongoing partner NHS Charities Together whose invaluable work supports the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff across the UK.'

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together said: 'Winter is always a demanding season for the NHS, with 72 per cent of the public rating working within the NHS as the most difficult job to do over the festive period in a recent survey, so this initiative couldn't come at a better time.

'We hope Starbucks Free Coffee Giveaway will remind our NHS staff across the UK that their dedication is appreciated and they will be able to take a break from their life-saving duties and enjoy the festive season.'

It comes after Starbucks announced some major changes to its menu in the United States, with the new Starbucks boss saying he will simplify the chain's 'overly complex menu' in a bid to win back customers amid slumping sales.

Brian Niccol said the chain needed to 'fundamentally change' its strategy.

While Brits may be bracing themselves to run to their nearest branch of the major outlet, the offer is only valid for people in a certain type of employment (file image)

The company unexpectedly released its earnings report in October, which revealed that sales had fallen sharply for the third consecutive quarter.

US sales fell by 6 per cent, as cash-strapped customers are increasingly put off by high prices and long wait times for drinks.

'Simplifying the menu may help resolve the problem of cafes becoming more stressful and less appealing, but they are not the only issues in play,' Neil Saunders, Managing Director of GlobalData Retail, told DailyMail.com. 

'The main issue is that consumers are buying less coffee from Starbucks in order to save money,' he said.

'The other issue which compounds the problem is that Starbucks has gone off track in terms of the added value it is supposed to provide,' he added.

'Its cafes are too busy, lines too long, and too many of them are not pleasant places to linger. That means some people have defected to rivals, including independent chains.'