McDonalds coy about Sheffield plans after announcing 50 new outlets and 20,000 jobs

The company is looking to fill 20,000 roles across the UK and Ireland this year and insisted the new roles were not to replace jobs lost throughout the pandemic, but to prepare for the re-opening of the economy after lockdown.

McDonalds has a branch in Sheffield city centre and company boss Paul Pomroy told the Sunday Telegraph the High Street would continue "to be part of the fabric of the UK" adding: "It's up to us to make sure there are reasons for people to visit."

A company spokesman declined to say it would add to its Sheffield branches on High Street in the city centre, Archer Road, near Woodseats, and Farm Road, near Norfolk Park. She added: “We’re looking at a number of sites and looking forward to progressing. We wouldn’t be able to disclose any specifics at this moment.”

Mr Pomroy, McDonald's chief executive for UK and Ireland, added in a statement: "It's fantastic to be able to offer an additional 20,000 people an opportunity to work with us.

"There is no doubt the pandemic has had a huge impact on many people's employment opportunities and threatened the future of High Streets up and down the country."

But Mr Pomroy told the Telegraph that attracting the right "talent will be critical". McDonald's said it pays everyone under 21 more than the national minimum wage, and everyone over 21 more than the national living wage (£8.91 an hour).