McDonald's Franchises Face Scrutiny Over Workplace Harassment Allegations

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued a stark warning to all McDonald's franchise owners across the United Kingdom, urging them to take immediate action to protect employees from workplace harassment. The intervention follows an ongoing BBC investigation that has uncovered numerous allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination at the fast-food giant's restaurants. 

The EHRC has formally written to all 1,400 McDonald's branches across Britain, reminding franchisees of their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. The regulator has made it clear that failure to comply could lead to enforcement action, including potential court proceedings and unlimited fines.

Repeated Allegations Spark Regulatory Action

The warning from the EHRC comes amid claims of a "toxic culture" within McDonald's UK operations. The BBC's investigation, which began in early 2023, has received over 300 reports of harassment, with allegations ranging from inappropriate workplace behaviour to serious misconduct by managers and colleagues. Some complaints involve employees as young as 16 being subjected to verbal and physical harassment. However, no formal legal rulings have been made regarding these claims.

In July 2023, McDonald's apologised publicly and pledged to introduce new measures to address workplace safety. However, subsequent reports suggest that issues persist, with many employees stating that harassment remains prevalent in certain locations. A 19-year-old employee, who wished to remain anonymous, described enduring "degrading and humiliating" verbal abuse while working at a franchise restaurant in Scotland. He hoped the EHRC's intervention would lead to "concrete change" for workers facing similar challenges. 

Legal Responsibilities and Potential Consequences

The EHRC's latest correspondence underscores the legal responsibility of all UK employers to prevent workplace harassment, including incidents perpetrated by staff members and customers. Since October 2024, the Equality Act has placed an additional duty on employers to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment before it occurs.

 The watchdog has outlined several "reasonable steps" that businesses must take to comply with the law, including:

• Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Implementing robust safeguarding measures, particularly for younger and more vulnerable employees.
• Establish clear reporting mechanisms and ensure complaints are handled sensitively and effectively.

John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of the EHRC, reiterated that failure to implement these measures could result in enforcement action. "Every business in Britain, whether small or large, must comply with the Equality Act. McDonald's franchise owners are no exception," he stated.

 McDonald's Response and Ongoing Commitments

McDonald's UK has acknowledged the EHRC's latest intervention and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace. The company has emphasised that its legally binding agreement with the EHRC, signed in early 2023, remains in effect and continues to evolve based on updated regulatory guidance.

A spokesperson for McDonald's UK stated: "Together with our franchisees, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Our Cultural Action Plan includes enhanced training programmes, improved onboarding processes, and a new digital reporting system for staff concerns." 

McDonald's also highlighted recent internal surveys indicating that 94% of employees were aware of reporting channels for workplace concerns, suggesting that some improvements may already be taking effect. However, some employees and advocacy groups continue to express concerns about the consistency and effectiveness of these measures.

Despite these efforts, critics, including MPs and employee rights groups, have called for more decisive action to address ongoing concerns. Liam Byrne, Chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, has challenged the EHRC to explain why enforcement efforts have only intensified now, despite longstanding allegations.

Regulatory Outlook and Future Developments

As one of the UK's largest private-sector employers, McDonald's faces mounting pressure to demonstrate accountability and transparency in workplace safety issues. The EHRC has indicated that further investigations and legal action could follow if current efforts do not yield significant improvements.

Meanwhile, employees and campaigners continue to push for systemic changes, calling on McDonald's and other major employers to prioritise worker protections and actively combat workplace harassment. The outcome of this regulatory intervention could set a precedent for broader industry reforms aimed at safeguarding employee rights across the hospitality sector.