McDonald?s UK is to create at least 2,500 new jobs this year, taking its UK workforce to 93,500 by the end of 2013.
The new jobs build on 3,500 jobs that McDonald?s created in 2012 ? 1,000 more than estimated ? of which 70 per cent were taken by young people under the age of 21. A major UK employer, McDonald?s has added more than 20,000 people to its workforce during the last five years as a result of its sustained business growth and long-term investment in recruitment and training. The company?s growth has been driven by investment in its restaurants and technology, new restaurants and extended opening hours and menu choice and innovation
The announcement is welcomed by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, who will visit a McDonald?s restaurant this afternoon to meet employees, many of whom are completing nationally-recognised qualifications like apprenticeships while they work. These qualifications help them progress in their careers and boost their long-term employability at McDonald?s and beyond.
Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said:
?A highly-skilled workforce is an important part of any growing business. That?s why I am pleased to see how McDonald?s is providing training and apprenticeships in a range of skills.
?McDonald?s is also to be applauded for helping adult employees get qualifications in maths and English. Poor literacy and numeracy skills can hold people back in the workplace, which is why the Government has doubled the funding for these core subjects.?
Jill McDonald, CEO, McDonald?s UK, said:
?These remain challenging economic conditions but I?m pleased that, together with our franchisees, our continued focus on serving quality, affordable food and giving our customers a great experience is enabling us to keep investing in our business and creating jobs.
?Whilst today?s job market is hugely competitive, we offer many people their first experience of work and we?re focused on doing what we can to help more young people get into quality jobs and careers. To help young people get on in life, it?s crucial for major employers like us to keep investing in training and people development, because companies like ours can make a big difference through the jobs we create and the support we provide.?
Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director General said: ?It is great news that McDonald?s is creating jobs during such challenging times on the high street. It is leading the way in showing how major businesses are investing in staff through excellent training and career development.?
McDonald?s offers all its employees access to nationally-recognised qualifications as a benefit of working for the company. Employees have the opportunity to gain a range of nationally-recognised qualifications from adult certificates in Maths and English to apprenticeships and a Foundation Degree offered to restaurant managers.