McDonald’s campaign to rewrite definition of ‘McJob’ in Oxford English Dictionary draws to a close

McDonald’s has brought its campaign to change the dictionary definition of ‘McJob’ to a close with almost 105,000 signatures from its employees and the public.

The petition has also gained widespread support from MPs and business figures. It has now been submitted to the Oxford English Dictionary for review.

Alongside this, an Early Day Motion has been tabled in parliament by Clive Betts MP, which “regrets the use of derogatory phrases attached to service sector jobs such as ‘McJob'”.

Currently, a ‘McJob’ is described in dictionaries as “an unstimulating, low-paid job with few prospects, esp. one created by the expansion of the service sector”.

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David Fairhurst, chief people officer at McDonald’s, said: “Our petition to change the dictionary definition of ‘McJob’ started one of the biggest debates for years on the contribution of service sector work to individuals and the economy, and we’re delighted with the support we’ve received during recent months.

“Its genesis came in the strength of feeling at McDonald’s that the current definition is out of touch with reality, and ultimately insulting to the hard-working people who serve the public every day.”