McDonald’s work with Job Centres to mobilise long-term unemployed

McDonald’s is set to offer job opportunities for up to 6,000 unemployed in 2009, and a study reveals working at McDonald’s can help employees get on: both in the company and outside.

The scheme includes a trial period of employment at the fast food chain: of those participating over half were then hired by the restaurant chain. McDonald’s are now extending the scheme nationally.

Leeds Metropolitan University undertook research into the effect of training MCDonald’s staff in relation to social mobility. Social mobility is measured in ways such as measuring aspiration, progression and the aquisition of skills. Researchers found eight out of ten staff see their job as a long term career, 40 percent of those who had started with few or no qualifications had improved on their these – and over 80 percent said they felt they had improved their skills. Almost all felt they had developed skills which would be attractive to future employers.

David Fairhurst, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, McDonald’s UK and Northern Europe, said: “The debate the nation has been having about social mobility in recent months prompted us to examine our own performance and ask whether we’re doing enough. We are very encouraged by the research findings which 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.”