UK McDonald’s is facing allegations of creating a ‘toxic work culture’. After more than 200 current and recent UK staff accused colleagues of sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying. Workers from the fast-food chain, some as young as 17, told the BBC that they are being groped and harassed almost routinely.
At least 200 UK McDonald’s staff members have now claimed they were subjected to sexual assault, sexual harassment, racism, and bullying. Dozens of new complaints flooded in after a BBC investigation revealed people as young as 17 were groped and harassed regularly.
Fresh allegations include an older female manager forcing a younger worker’s hand into her trousers and slapping her bum. As well as senior staff making sexual comments to juniors regularly. Others say managers did cocaine in the offices and dealt drugs. With one even allegedly threatening an employee with a knife.
Many of those who have come forward claim they received no support from the company when they reached out for help. Multiple politicians have spoken out against the reports, with Rishi Sunak calling them ‘deeply concerning’. And chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee Caroline Nokes describing them as ‘horrific’.
Journalists spent five months speaking to current and former employees to find the original 100 complaints. They heard 31 allegations of sexual assault, 78 of sexual harassment, 18 of racism and six of homophobia.
McDonald’s said it had “fallen short” and it “deeply apologised”. It added that all employees deserved to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
McDonald’s UK and Ireland chief executive Mr Macrow sai. “Every one of the 177,000 employees in McDonald’s UK deserves to work in a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. There are instances where we have fallen short and for that, we deeply apologize.”
There is simply no place for harassment, abuse, or discrimination of any kind at McDonald’s. And we will investigate all allegations brought to us. And all proven breaches of our code of conduct will be met with the most severe measures. We can legally impose, up to and including dismissal.
