Long-term unemployed make suitable candidates for McDonald's vacancies

The fast-food chain has been piloting local employment partnerships for the past three months on a regional basis. Unemployed applicants were offered a trial in the workplace as part of the scheme and more than half were subsequently offered a job, with some earmarked for management positions.

The chain will now roll out the scheme to its 1,200 outlets nationwide.

The announcement follows the release of a report from Leeds Metropolitan University that shows 79% of McDonald's employees see the job as a long-term career compared with just 10% of new recruits while 96% claim the skills they gain from the work trial would be useful to any future employers.

David Fairhurst, senior vice-president/chief people officer at McDonald's Restaurants, Northern Europe, said: "We are very encouraged by the research findings that show we are broadening horizons, helping people gain skills that equip them for life and providing an environment where people can reach their full potential.

"Our long-standing approach to recruiting on qualities not qualifications is giving some of our people opportunities they might not otherwise have had."