The company invested £95 million in new restaurants and extended opening hours in 2013, paving the way for the new roles. It will take the fast-food retailer's British workforce above 100,000 for the first time. The company estimates around 70% of the new roles will go to people under the age of 25.
Chancellor George Osborne welcomed the news, emphasising the coalition's commitment to creating jobs in the private sector.
"It is fantastic news that McDonald's is creating 8,000 new jobs here in the UK, especially with the majority going to first-time workers and under-25s," he said. "Every new person in work means a brighter future and more economic security for them and their family."
The announcement was made in conjunction with the release of the Serving the UK: McDonald's at 40 report, which looks at the makeup of the company's British workforce. It highlights the chain's focus on internal mobility and offering employees the chance to gain qualifications at work.
The findings include the fact that 95% of company managers started working as crew and that 16,608 apprentices have gone through the company's Hospitality and Catering course to date.
Jez Langhorn, senior VP and chief people officer at McDonald’s UK, claimed the report shows McDonald's commitment to help employees "get on in life".
“We have worked hard over our 40 years to be a good employer," he said. "And this report shows that people who have worked and studied with us have also learnt broader skills such as team work, communications and developed a newfound confidence."
