McDonald’s to hire 20,000 workers in UK and Ireland with plans to open 50 new restaurants over the next year

21 June 2021

McDonald’s is to recruit 20,000 workers and open 50 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland.

The company plans to employ additional staff and set up new franchises over the next 12 months.

The firm said the additions were not replacing jobs lost throughout the pandemic but were being driven by an expansion drive, and in anticipation of increased crew capacity as part of changing government coronavirus guidelines.

Paul Pomroy, the chief executive of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to offer an additional 20,000 people an opportunity to work with us.

“There is no doubt the pandemic has had a huge impact on many people’s employment opportunities and threatened the future of high streets up and down the country.

“Our 1,400 restaurants are run by 200 local franchisees, which means we have a personal stake in every one of our communities.

“It’s a big responsibility, and the moves we’ve announced today reflect our commitment to continue to innovate and invest in the local communities and economies we serve.”

McDonald’s currently employs more than 130,000 crew members in the UK and Ireland.

Pomroy told the Sunday Telegraph it was “getting harder and harder to recruit”. He said: “Attracting the talent will be critical.” Pomroy also shrugged off fears over a long-term slump in city centre footfall after the pandemic, saying: “The great British high street is going to continue into the future.”