2,500 Jobs in the Bag at McDonald's in 2012

Global fast food chain McDonald's will create 2,500 jobs for Britain in 2012, the company announced.

Young people are expected to snap up half of the new jobs.

There are 23.1 percent of British young people unemployed, according to the latest figures.

Overall unemployment is at a 17-year high of 8.4 percent.

"I am delighted to welcome McDonald's announcement of new jobs," said Prime Minister David Cameron.

"McDonald's has a great record in investing in the UK and providing excellent training, apprenticeships and opportunities for its staff."

This latest round of job creation follows supermarket giant Asda's announcement that it will create 5,000 jobs this year.

"Despite these difficult economic conditions, our continued emphasis on good quality food at affordable prices, and improving the experience for our customers and our people, has meant that we are able to continue to invest in the business and create jobs," said Jill McDonald, chief executive of McDonald's UK.

In 2010, McDonald's launched its own foundation degree course in business management, which is accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The degree followed in-house A-levels and GCSE qualifications already offered by the company.