McDonald’s to open 50 new sites in UK and Ireland

McDonald’s has revealed that it is set to hire 20,000 additional staff members across the UK and Ireland as it looks to open 50 new sites in 2021.

Paul Pomroy, UK and Ireland chief executive at the fast food chain, told the Sunday Telegraph that a further 100 restaurants will be launched over the next two years.

The group will be adding to its current 1,400 franchises and 130,000-strong employee base throughout the region.

Pomroy 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.”

He added: “The moves we’ve announced today reflect our commitment to continue to innovate and invest in the local communities and economies we serve.”

Despite the group recently announcing a return to pre-pandemic sales, Pomroy recognised that it was “getting harder and harder to recruit”.

The statement follows UKHospitality’s release of a 12-point plan to tackle the “acute” staffing shortage crisis that is currently facing the industry.

The short-term, medium-term, and long-term suggestions outlined actions for both employers and the Government to address.