UK: More than 700 former & current McDonald's workers allege they faced harassment & bullying; incl. company comments
A BBC investigation in July 2023 alleges that staff at UK outlets of fast food chain McDonalds routinely faced sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying at work. The BBC spoke to more than 100 former and current workers, including some as young as 17, who reported experiencing abuse. Of the more than 100 allegations from employees, 31 related to sexual assault, and 78 related to sexual harassment.
The BBC says it began investigating conditions at McDonalds, after the company signed a legally binding agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission in February to address sexual harassment. The UK equality watchdog said it was concerned by the findings and is launching a new email hotline.
McDonald's said in a statement provided to the BBC that it had "fallen short" and "deeply apologised". It added that all employees deserved to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace and that it would investigate all allegations brought to it.
In January 2025, a new BBC investigation found that workers still report sexual abuse and harassment. More than 700 current and former junior employees have reportedly started taking legal action against the firm, accusing it of failing to protect them.
The company said in a statement that it continues to focus on eliminating all forms of harassment at McDonald's is led by a newly created team and informed by the experience and guidance of external experts. It said it had rolled out company-wide programmes to improve safeguarding, drive awareness and enhance training, and in addition to the four existing channels, it had introduced an additional way for employees to speak up, confidentially, at any time, allowing employees to "instantly raise issues digitally", and which was "specifically designed to ensure they feel empowered to speak up".