LONDON - US FAST-FOOD chain Kentucky Fried Chicken said on Monday it would create 9,000 jobs across Britain and Ireland by 2014, a boost for two nations deep in recession.

KFC, which runs more than 11,000 food outlets in some 80 countries and is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., said in a statement that it would open 200-300 new outlets.

'Over the next three to five years, KFC will be offering up to 9,000 new jobs... with a particular focus on the north of England, and South Wales,' KFC UK said in a statement.

The fast food group, which specialises in fried chicken, added that it would spend 100-150 million pounds (S$217-$325 million) in the ambitious expansion scheme.

KFC UK has 760 stores and 20,000 employees in Britain and Ireland. -- AFP