McDonald’s in Northern Ireland has today announced that it is creating over 50 new jobs as part of a commitment to deliver at least 2,500 jobs across the UK this year. This will take McDonald’s UK workforce to 90,000.

With new unemployment figures reaching 6.8% in Northern Ireland,[1] an estimated 30% of the new jobs will be for first-time workers, helping young people gain a valuable first foothold in the world of work. More than half of the 2,500 jobs are expected to go to those under the age of 25.Commenting on the announcement, Joanne Jones, Director of Franchising in Northern Ireland, for McDonald’s which  has 26 restaurants locally  and currently employs over 1,900 people, said “The job market for young people just starting out in their careers is particularly tough, so it’s important for us to be able to offer them the chance of a job.

“As a business our emphasis on high quality, good value food has meant that we are able to continue to invest in the business and our people. We have a fantastic education programme in place that we have worked hard to build in the last five years, meaning that all of our people have the chance to learn whilst they earn. Gaining nationally recognised qualifications such as an Apprenticeship whilst getting experience in the world of work means that we can give young people a good grounding whether they stay and progress through the company or move on elsewhere.”

The new jobs build on the 13,500 jobs McDonald’s has created throughout the UK over the last three years and come as a result of a continued period of sustained investment and growth driven by:• New restaurants and extended opening hours• Major restaurant refurbishment programme and roll-out of new technology• Constant menu innovation and new menu options

Commenting on the UK wide announcement Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said, "It is fantastic news that McDonald's is creating 2,500 new jobs in the UK - and that over half of these posts will go to young people.

"McDonald's has an excellent reputation for developing its staff with training and apprenticeship programmes. This invests valuable time and resources to help young people, with little or no experience in the world of work, to develop their skills and confidence. In the end, that gives young people a terrific opportunity to move up within the company, or use their experience and training to move into other jobs. It’s a telling fact that half of McDonald’s current board have progressed from the shop floor to the top floor, having started their careers serving customers in the restaurant.”

Prime Minister David Cameron also praised the news, stating, “I am delighted to welcome McDonald's announcement of new jobs. McDonald’s has a great record in investing in the UK and providing excellent training, apprenticeships and opportunities for its staff.”

McDonald’s has awarded almost 35,000 qualifications from maths and English certificates to Foundation Degrees in the past five years. It will build on this figure significantly in 2012 to support the growing number of employees who choose to study whilst working at McDonald’s.

ENDS