McDONALD'S have slashed the prices of its food and drink products - ranging from items on their breakfast menu to Big Mac's and coffees.

The move by the fast-food chain follows a reduction in VAT by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

What have McDonald's said about the move?

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s CEO UK and Ireland said: "Last week’s package of business support from the Chancellor was a vital boost for our sector.

"Daily headlines on the challenges faced by retail and hospitality cause such uncertainty for so many.

"I am very grateful for the support from our franchisees, who balance the needs of their local businesses with that principle of returning their employees back to work and customer support; many of them have faced challenges while we were closed, and are working hard to recover their businesses."

What items have been cut in price?

Prices will be reduced on meal bundles and McDonald’s classics, including:

  • Big Mac
  • Quarter Pounder with Cheese
  • Six Chicken McNuggets

While prices may vary slightly in certain locations, Mr Pomroy has reccomended that McDonald's franchisees make a 40p reduction on the Extra Value Meals menu and 30p for every Happy Meal.

Additionally, with breakfast now available across the UK, the fast-food boss has also recommended a 50p reduction on breakfast meals and up to 30p off the price of single McMuffins.

In addition to the reduction on meal prices, the McCafe coffee range will be reduced to offer black and white coffee for 99p and premium coffees like Latte and Cappuccino for £1.49 - again, those prices will vary in certain locations.

Why might the prices be different in certain locations?

Across the McDonald's menu, franchisees can set their own prices, including for McDelivery services. Therefore, prices may differ by location – customers have been encouraged to check when they visit or via the My McDonald’s App for the prices in their nearest restaurant.

When will the lower prices begin at McDonald's?

The new lower prices begun at 5am today (Wednesday, July 15) for meals purchased through the drive thru or in restaurants for takeaway or dine-in (when they reopen).

An update on reopening for dine-in

Mr Pomroy added that McDonald's are not yet open for sit inside - but work is going on behind the scenes for diners to return.

In a statement, he said: "We are working to reopen our dine-in restaurants when we are confident we can adhere to the government guidance, which enables our teams to work and customers to visit safely.

"Following the announcement, we have reopened four restaurants across the UK and Ireland to test dine-in and will extend this pilot further in the Republic of Ireland this week so that we can quickly test the procedures and safety measures we will introduce to enable dine-in.

"I have been clear throughout this crisis that we will only move forwards with the next stage of our reopening plans when we can do so safely – enabling our people to work safely and you to visit us safely."

How will the dine-in pilot work?

"Our dine-in pilot will see us reopen with table service only, reducing capacity by as much as 70 per cent in some restaurants to enable social distancing.

"You will be able to order at the kiosk, at the till or at your table using the My McDonald’s App and we will bring the food to you at your table to prevent congestion with takeaway customers and delivery couriers.

"Hand-sanitising stations, floor markings and Perspex screens will be in restaurants to enable you to visit safely, we will be cleaning touchpoints and seating areas more frequently and we are testing this week how to reopen the outside seating areas in our restaurants to enable more customers to dine with us.

"We will update on this in more detail later this week," Mr Pomroy continued.

What else have McDonald's said?

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s CEO UK and Ireland added: "It has been an unprecedented four months. After 45 years serving the UK, at no point did we expect to close every restaurant for any period of time.

"You may not know that in the UK, the vast majority of our 1,350 restaurants are owned and operated by individual business men and women. 

"Our franchisees own and operate an average of six restaurants each and serve as active members in your local communities.  

"Together with those franchisees and the 80,000 employees who have returned to work already, we have worked hard to return to serving your favourites in towns and cities across the country over the last four weeks.

"As ever, I am incredibly proud of the way everyone in the McDonald’s system has worked together to return quickly and safely to the communities in which we operate, from farmers and suppliers right through to our restaurant teams."

Here is a reminder of the safety measures McDonald's have implemented:

For takeaway:

  • McDonald’s will provide clear signposting and floor-markings to create a one-way system around restaurants for customers and delivery partner couriers, where possible.
  • A limited number of people will be allowed inside restaurants to help customers and employees adhere to social distancing – this will vary depending upon the restaurant size and layout.
  • Customers will be welcomed inside when a space becomes available and will be asked to sanitise their hands at cleaning stations that have been introduced in all restaurants.
  • There will be fewer self-order screens switched on and those in use will be sanitised at least every 30 minutes. Customers can also order via the My McDonald’s app
  • Customers are encouraged to visit alone to collect their food where possible. For those visiting with children, play areas and digital play areas will remain closed.
  • Restaurant seating areas, customer toilets and lifts will remain closed.
  • With dining areas closed, recycling points will also remain closed. The large majority of McDonald’s packaging can be recycled, and customers are encouraged to dispose of their litter responsibly and recycle wherever possible when they get home.
  • To help protect employees and other customers, McDonald’s asks their customers not to visit if they feel unwell.

These measures are on top of those already introduced to reopened Drive-thru and McDelivery restaurants:

  • Perspex screens have been installed in the kitchens, service areas and Drive-thru windows and additional protective equipment has been provided for restaurant teams, including disposable gloves for people in customer and courier facing positions and face coverings.
  • Restaurants will return with fewer people on each shift, serving a reduced menu* over reduced hours (11am-10pm).
  • Customers are asked to use contactless payment methods and cap their spend at £25 wherever possible.
  • McDonald’s will continue to encourage the use of the My McDonald’s App to view the menu, order and pay before arrival.