McDonald’s is facing fresh sexual abuse, racism, harassment and bullying allegations by more than 100 current and recent staff across its UK outlets.
The BBC first began investigating working conditions at McDonald’s in February, after the company signed a legally binding agreement with the EHRC in which it pledged to protect its staff from sexual harassment.
Investigators were told that workers are being routinely groped and harassed, while McDonald’s apologised for having “fallen short” of the required standards, adding that all employees deserve to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
Bolt Burdon Kemp specialist Thomas Beale said the fast food chain has allowed this toxic environment to continue, “despite signing a legally binding agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in which it pledged to protect its staff from sexual harassment.”
McDonald’s said it had “fallen short” and “deeply apologised”, adding that all employees deserved to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
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Over a five-month period, the investigators asked McDonald’s staff about their experience working in the restaurants.
Of more than 100 allegations from employees the BBC spoke to, 31 related to sexual assault, with 78 relating to sexual harassment.
A spokesperson for the EHRC said it is “concerned” about the new allegations.
“McDonald’s has made a number of legally binding commitments to us that we will monitor, including:
- communicating a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment
- conducting an anonymous survey of workers about workplace safety
- enhancing policies and procedures to prevent sexual harassment and improve responses to complaints
- delivering anti-harassment training for employees
- introducing specific training and materials to help managers identify areas of risk within their restaurants and take steps to prevent sexual harassment
- supporting the take up of policy and training materials by franchisees within their independent organisations to support reporting of sexual harassment
- monitoring progress towards a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment.”
The EHRC has now set up a confidential email hotline to report harassment incidents at McDonald’s.
