McDonald's temporarily shuts US offices

McDonald's, one of the world's largest fast-food chains, is reportedly set to close all its offices in the United States this week as it prepares for layoffs.

The company is temporarily closing its US offices this week as it prepares to inform its corporate employees about round of layoffs as part of a broader company restructuring, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Reportedly in an internal email the company had informed the US employees and some international staff that they should work from home from Monday through Wednesday so it can deliver staffing decisions virtually.

The company also asked its employees to cancel all in-person meetings with vendors and outside parties at its headquarters.

The decision of layoffs is likely to be announced on Wednesday.

Earlier in January, McDonald's had said that they will be making “difficult decisions” about changes to its corporate staffing levels by April. 

The company also said that decisions are taken as part of its broad strategic plan.

McDonald's employs more than 15,000 people globally in corporate roles and its owned restaurants, with 70 percent of them located of the US, the chain said in February, reported WSJ.

McDonald's has conducted several round of layoffs in recent years. In 2018, McDonald's said that the company was cutting its management to be "more dynamic, nimble and competitive," reported sources.