# Lauren Schultz, chief executive of McDonald's UK & Ireland, said the group had maintained its recruitment levels in the face of rocketing wage costs.

*business · news · 2026-04-21 · Daily Express*

## Key points

- McDonald's UK is launching the country's largest paid in-person work experience program for 2,500 youth.
- Despite economic headwinds, McDonald's UK is maintaining recruitment levels and investing in staff development.
- A McDonald's-commissioned survey found 69% of UK youth report a lack of local work placements.
- The IMF has downgraded UK 2024 GDP growth forecast to 0.8%, from 1.3% earlier this year.

**Companies:** McDonald's
**Countries:** United Kingdom

[Read the full story on Daily Express](https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/2196841/huge-blow-reeves-even-mcdonald-s-boss-complains-s-hard-do-business-uk)

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