7000 off dole in McDonald's deal

Work and Income has signed up for a McJobs combo deal with McDonald's to provide about 7000 jobs to those in the dole queue as unemployment rises.

Under the deal, about 7000 staff will be recruited and trained through Work and Income over the next five years to work at McDonald's.

Work and Income chief Patricia Reade says the jobs include restaurant work as well as some higher positions in a planned three-year "career pathway" that includes qualifications in service and hospitality.