Nine Redbridge jobseekers could soon be signing off after completing training with McDonald’s.

The fast food chain joined forces with Redbridge Institute and Redbridge Jobcentre Plus to set up a work academy to help people into employment.

The jobseekers did a two week course at Redbridge Institute including customer service, food hygiene and health and safety training before starting a two week placement at McDonald’s in Ilford.

There is a guaranteed interview at the end of the placement but only two jobseekers were hired after the previous programme.

Mayjul Patel, who has been unemployed since June, said: “This is a good idea. I am enjoying the placement and having the training beforehand has proved very helpful.”

McDonald’s business manager Paul Chase said: “This programme benefits everyone. The jobseekers come to us with skills and the two-week placement gives us a chance to assess them in all areas of the restaurant.”

Sector-based work academies were introduced by the government to get people receiving benefits into work.