KFC is planning to create 5,400 jobs in its 965 restaurants in the UK and Ireland by the end of 2020 following a surge in demand in takeaway food.
The fast food chain said it was planning to use the government's £2billlion Kickstart Scheme to subsidise its hiring, which is targeted at 16-to-24-year-olds.
The roles come on top of the 4,300 new team members employed since the UK's lockdown in March.
Jobs on offer range from team leaders to cooks - coming with perks including free staff meals and a 25 per cent discount.
Paula MacKenzie, KFC UK & Ireland general manager said: “With new regional and national lockdowns coming into effect, it’s an uncertain time for many businesses – but due to the phenomenal support from our teams and fans, as well as the Governments of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, we’re really excited to be able to welcome over 5,000 new team members ahead of Christmas."
The fast food chain said the new scheme comes on top of its longstanding commitment to providing opportunities for people without formal qualifications.
KFC already offers apprenticeships and educational partnerships with universities to help people who haven't considered higher education before for whatever reason.
“We have a set of criteria for those looking to work at KFC – but it’s not necessarily about academic qualifications or previous formal training," MacKenzie said.
"What matters to us is personality, passion and dedication to the job.
"This year is going to be even more challenging for young people looking for job opportunities, but we know that all the skills the hospitality sector teaches – the importance of hard work, delivering great service and working as part of a team – will hugely help them in the long run."
The news comes a month after Domino's Pizza has said it was creating 6,000 new roles as it continues to benefit from the Covid-19 pandemic and households turn to its deliveries in droves.
The firm is creating 5,000 new jobs and also 1,000 apprenticeship positions under the Government's new Kickstart scheme, with "ambitious individuals" given the opportunity to apply for permanent roles following a six-month placement.
The new positions will include pizza chefs, customer service workers and delivery drivers, and are on top of the 6,000 jobs Domino's said it has created since the start of the pandemic.
