Tokyo McDonald's staff stay home to save power

After this week’s news that conditions at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are worse than anticipated and the implications for even more summer power shortages in Tokyo, we have some good news about the situation from McDonald’s Japan.

As part of its power-saving drive -- currently commonplace in homes and businesses across the region -- McD’s will allow many of its staff to work at home from July [Japanese].

Around 300 of 500 office-based employees will be affected for at least one day a week. They’ll also be asked to schedule holidays at the same time in early August.

Hotter shoppers

While the move applies only to staff at the company’s Tokyo HQ, the customer-facing side of the company will also see a change, with more stores using energy-saving lighting.

McDonald’s says it will install LED light fittings in 30 percent of its outlets as part of a government-mandated scheme to cut electricity usage by at least 15 percent.

It also says the shops will be hotter, as it will raise air-conditioning thermostats by 2 C -- no small matter in the expected sweltering Tokyo summer. Ice in your Coke, sir?

Finally, McD's is kindly cutting the price of all its carbonated beverages to just ¥100, regardless of size.

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