This will take McDonald's UK workforce to 90,000.
The announcement was welcomed by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg (pictured), who visited McDonald's UK training centre in East Finchley, London, yesterday.
As part of McDonald's commitment to supporting young people, an estimated 30% of the new jobs will go to first-time workers, helping them gain a first foothold in the world of work. More than half of the 2,500 jobs are expected to go to young people under the age of 25.
The new jobs build on the 13,500 jobs McDonald's has created over the past three years and come as a result of a continued period of sustained investment and growth
Clegg said: "It is fantastic news that McDonald's is creating 2,500 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 is 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."
Clegg attended a scheduled training course for restaurant managers and met a number of crew members, many of whom are completing nationally recognised qualifications, such as apprenticeships, while they work.
Jill McDonald, CEO, McDonald's UK, added: "Despite these difficult economic conditions, our continued emphasis on good quality food at affordable prices and improving the experience for our customers and our people, has meant that we are able to continue to invest in the business and create jobs.
"Today's job market is particularly tough for young people, so it remains vital that these jobs continue to offer great training programmes that teach the valued, transferable skills that will give them a solid footing on the career ladder and help them to progress their careers with us or other employers."
