KFC embarking on £150m expansion with 9,000 new jobs

As companies throughout the UK are suffering amid the economic downturn and reducing headcount, fast food chain KFC is embarking on a £150 million expansion programme which will see it open 300 new outlets and create 9,000 new jobs in the UK.

The chain, renowned for its fried chicken, has 760 outlets in the UK and has a workforce of 22,000.

The group said it is experiencing strong growth as Britons are drawn towards cheaper food amid the recession. The chain boasts it can feed a family of four for £10 with its bargain bucket.

Martin Shuker, chief executive of KFC in the UK and Ireland, said the chain is seeing its market share increase and is “taking business away from rivals such as McDonalds“.

Mr Shuker said the group opened over 30 new restaurants in the last 12 months and plans a further 44 this year.

Each of the new restaurants will employ between 25 and 40 people working in shift patterns.

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