Contrary to your editorial (8 July), funding received by McDonald’s for our apprenticeship programme is going to those who need it most.

A 2009 study of our workforce by Leeds Metropolitan University concluded that McDonald’s is giving people who might not otherwise have had the chance the opportunity to gain practical and transferable skills. The training does not become “irrelevant” if they move on. An apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification that benefits the individual and economy, whether they stay with us or use McDonald’s as a stepping stone to another job or career.

Jez Langhorn, Vice-president, people, McDonald’s UK.