More jobs and a record year at McDonald's
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.McDonald's said market share gains helped it deliver a record year in the UK, as the fast-food giant unveiled "at least" 2,500 new jobs this year on these shores.
The jobs filllip was unveiled as its US parent posted an 11 per cent leap in global profits to $1.4bn (£898m) in the year to 31 December, lifted by strong "operating income growth" in the UK Germany, France and Russia.
Jill McDonald, pictured, the chief executive of McDonald's UK, said: "We have had another record year," boosted by about 100 million more customer visits. Asked if it had taken market share from Burger King, she said: "We have taken share across the board ... in a number of areas and from a number of our competitors."
McDonald's UK does not publish like-for-like revenues, but it posted underlying sales growth in the "low teens" in its fourth quarter after an "outstanding Christmas". Its best-performing times were breakfast, dinner and overnight, boosted by 384 UK stores opening 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ms McDonald also cited growth across its menu, adding that its chicken wraps had "punched above their weight".
The chain, which has more than 1,200 restaurants in Britain and Ireland, said more than half of the 2,500 new jobs created will go to young people. The jobs will come from up to 15 new McDonald's stores, opening outlets longer and serving more customers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments