Fast food giant McDonald’s is offering 85 jobs to the long-term unemployed across Kent.

It is part of a nationwide programme that could see up to 6,000 vacancies at McDonald's filled by people who have been out of work for at least six months.

Job Centre staff will explain the scheme to candidates and those who are interested may be offered a trial in a McDonald’s restaurant.

The company says this will give candidates the chance to show their personal qualities in action instead of having to rely on a CV that may not otherwise be strong enough to land them a job or interview.

Paul Crocker, a Kent-based McDonald's franchisee, said: "Our approach to recruitment has long been about qualities not qualifications, and our training provides a balance between on-the-job skills development as well as nationally recognised GCSE and A-Level equivalent qualifications.

"We employ people, not CVs, and we help them to be the best they want to be by providing a broad range of opportunities."

Chris King, 26, a business manager on Sheppey, said: "I started working as a crew member for McDonald’s when I was 17, whilst still at school and continued part-time during university.

"After graduating, I decided that I would have more opportunities open to me at McDonald’s than elsewhere. Joing full-time, I have now worked my way up the ranks and was delighted to become business manager late last year."