Every McDonald’s in Britain Warned Over Staff Sexual Abuse

Every McDonald’s in Britain has been warned that its owners could face legal action if they fail to take steps to protect staff from sexual abuse. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to all 1,400 branches, urging them to comply with their legal duties or risk enforcement action. This follows a BBC investigation that uncovered a toxic culture of sexual assault and harassment within the fast-food chain.

In January, McDonald’s workers reported ongoing sexual harassment more than a year after the company’s chief executive promised to address the issue. The BBC’s initial investigation in July 2023 revealed claims by workers, some as young as 17, of being groped and harassed almost routinely. At the time, McDonald’s apologized and set up a new unit to handle complaints.

In February 2023, the EHRC entered into a legally binding agreement with McDonald’s to prevent sexual harassment in its restaurants. However, franchises were not covered by this agreement. Since then, more than 160 people have approached the BBC with allegations, while the EHRC has recorded 300 reported incidents of harassment.

The BBC has seen the letter from the EHRC, which calls the allegations “troubling” and notes “repeated incidents.” The letter outlines the “reasonable steps” that restaurants can take to prevent sexual harassment, including regular risk assessments and ensuring that complaints are dealt with sensitively and effectively.

Most McDonald’s restaurants are franchises, meaning individual operators are licensed to operate the outlets and employ the staff. The EHRC’s letter emphasizes that all businesses in Britain, regardless of size, must comply with the Equality Act.

The letter warns that any franchise restaurant that does not comply with its legal duties “may be at risk of enforcement action.” The EHRC has a range of statutory enforcement powers, including launching formal investigations and imposing unlimited fines through the courts.

One current McDonald’s employee, who we’re calling Alan, told the BBC he hoped the intervention would lead to “concrete change.” Alan, 19, said he had been subjected to “degrading and humiliating” verbal abuse and faced “homophobic slurs.” Despite the company’s promises, he said things have not improved and wants to “get away” from the situation.

Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, criticized the EHRC’s delayed action, calling the abuse “totally and utterly unacceptable.” Given the hundreds of allegations known for several years, he questioned why the EHRC was only now writing about their legal duties to McDonald’s.

EHRC chief executive John Kirkpatrick said the letter was a “starting point.” If the measures are unsuccessful, the EHRC can investigate further and impose action plans. If these plans are not followed, courts can impose fines.

McDonald’s said it was “committed” to ensuring a safe working environment, and its plan was “working.” The company added that it welcomed any steps to help it progress in this area.

The EHRC’s warning to McDonald’s underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. As the company faces continued allegations, the effectiveness of its measures will be closely scrutinized. What are your thoughts on the EHRC’s intervention and McDonald’s response? Share your perspective below and subscribe for more insights into workplace safety and corporate responsibility.