KFC takes young under their wings

KFC has pledged a third of new staff by 2030 will be young people who have faced employment barriers.

The fast food chain wants to improve social mobility by giving the disadvantaged more opportunities to work, build skills and confidence, and become managers.

Through its Hatch employability programme, launched with charity UK Youth, KFC hopes to help 6,000 16 to 24-year-olds get their first job.

It will target those who have faced social, economic, domestic or mental health challenges.

KFC’s UK general manager Meghan Farren said: “We need to unlock the potential of young people.

“The skills shortage in the economy and hospitality industry has only sharpened our focus on this.”