A group of trade unions have alleged that McDonald’s has breached international labour standards by failing to tackle sexual harassment in its UK restaurants and franchises.
The complaint was prompted by a 2023 BBC investigation into the fast-food chain which exposed a toxic culture where workers at McDonald’s, mostly teenagers, were subjected to sexual harassment and abuse. Following the initial investigation, McDonald’s apologised and reached an agreement with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on measures to address sexual harassment, including sexual harassment training for managers. However, since then, the EHRC has heard 300 reported incidents of harassment and more than 700 current and former junior employees are taking legal action against McDonald’s.
The trade union complaint, lodged in February 2024, and now being investigated by the government, describes further evidence of persistent discrimination and repeated harassment continuing to take place in McDonald’s restaurants. Many of the workers who are being subjected to this unwanted conduct are teenagers. Managers are accused of failing to stop such behaviour.
These further allegations highlight the fundamental legal duty on employers to take proactive, reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace by putting in place robust safeguarding measures including effective training for managers and staff, detailed harassment policies, clear reporting mechanisms, and accountability at senior levels. Employers who breach this duty and allow inappropriate behaviour to persist in their workplaces unchecked, expose their businesses to significant legal, financial and reputational risk.
If you require any advice or assistance, or would like to arrange sexual harassment training for your workforce, please contact on 0345 646 0406 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.