How old do you need to be to work at McDonald's?

This will depend of your location within the UK & Ireland as the date you can start work will differ depending on your loaction. Except for Student Work Experience opportunities the  apply.

England & Wales
If your 16th birthday falls within your last school year of September to August then you can start work on the 1st July in your last school year.

Scotland
If your 16th birthday is between March to September you can start 31st May this year. If your 16th birthday falls between October to February you can start 23rd Dec this year.

Northern Ireland
If your 16th birthday falls within your last year of School, September to June = you can start work 1st July this year.

Republic of Ireland
Are you 16 or older? = this is the requirement to start work.

Isle of Man
If birthday falls between 1st Sep and 31st May then can begin work from 1st Jun following 16th birthday. If birthday falls between 1st Jun and 31st Aug, then can begin work on 1st Jun following 15th birthday.

Jersey
If birthday falls between 1st Sep and 30th June, then can begin work from 1 July following 16th birthday. If birthday falls between 1 July and 31 Aug, then can begin work on 1 July following 15th birthday.