The UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has given "awarding body status" to a number of large businesses including the fast-food franchise McDonalds. This means that McDonalds will be able to award staff trained in subjects such as shift management, human resources and hygiene with certificates of varying levels, one of which is said to be the equivalent of A’ levels. These skills taught in the company’s training programmes will, therefore, lead to individuals being presented with nationally recognized qualifications.
A number of groups, including teachers unions, have criticized this scheme as they are afraid that this will lead to a dumbing down of qualifications. McDonald's has, however, denied that this will be the case as they will only be able to award such certificates if they fulfil the same rigorous criteria as those faced by other awarding bodies.