MCDONALD'S has created 510 jobs across its two restaurants in the Wrexham, soon to be three, a report has found.

To celebrate its 50th birthday in the UK, the fast-food retailer has commissioned an independent economic report, which reveals the incredible £369.5 million contribution the business and its suppliers have made to Wales annually. 

Despite the turbulence of the last five years, with many businesses facing challenging times, McDonald’s has continued to invest in local towns and cities across the UK, where restaurants are often at the heart of the community.

The ‘McDonald’s at 50’ report, was produced to understand the value McDonald’s has added to the UK economy, local communities, its employees, customers and suppliers since it first started operating in the UK.

The new report was commissioned to mark its 50th anniversary in the UK and builds on economic data published five years ago.

Without including its supply chain, in 2023 alone, the direct economic contribution by McDonald’s across Wales totalled approximately £176.1m, with the 74 Welsh restaurants directly employing 9,160 people.

McDonald’s believes in playing an active role in the local communities in which it operates and through its programme, Makin’ It, in partnership with BBC Children in Need, is committed to partnering every restaurant across the UK with youth services. 

The initiative harnesses the power of youth work to provide safe, welcoming spaces in restaurants and funds programmes to provide training, real-world experience and opportunities for young people. 

Successful local McDonald’s partnerships include Cardiff Youth Services (Cardiff), Boys & Girls Club Wales and Caia Park Partnership (Wrexham).

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Ralph Parker, McDonald’s Franchisee, who owns and operates 12 restaurants across Wales and the South West, said: “Creating and sustaining jobs across Wales is of huge importance to me. The fact that we have been able to make a significant financial contribution to the nation of Wales is something my team and fellow franchisees are very proud of. We have so many opportunities available to young people and it’s great to see so many of them taking advantage and gaining qualifications while they work – there is no longer a need to decide between learning and earning.

"I believe in investing in my staff and helping to provide them not only with an interesting and enjoyable place to work, but also to give them qualifications that they can draw upon throughout their life.

"It’s also been amazing to see the impact McDonald’s restaurants are having across local communities. From community initiatives to litter picks and outreach programmes, our restaurants and crew are constantly thinking of ways to support their local communities.”