McDonald’s strengthens harassment safeguards after watchdog intervention

McDonald's strengthens harassment safeguards after watchdog intervention

McDonald's will introduce mandatory sexual harassment training for managers and expand protections for young workers, following an updated agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced Friday. The measures come after persistent reports of abuse, including grooming and social media harassment, despite a 2023 legally binding pact to address workplace misconduct.

Watchdog escalates oversight amid ongoing allegations

The EHRC extended its original 2023 agreement with McDonald's after receiving 300 harassment reports and determining that prior efforts had fallen short. New requirements include external audits of complaint handling and a focus on safeguarding vulnerable employees, particularly minors. The fast-food chain's 1,400 UK locations-spanning England, Scotland, and Wales-will implement the changes, though franchises, while not legally bound, are expected to adopt key provisions.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, EHRC chair, stated the revisions aim to close gaps in McDonald's existing policies. "The updated plan reflects the severity of allegations and ensures zero tolerance for harassment," she said, acknowledging the company's cooperation while emphasizing the need for "clear routes to report and resolve" incidents.

Workers and unions question effectiveness

A former employee, who spoke to the BBC during its 2023 investigation, dismissed the announcement as performative. "They're ticking boxes," she said. "Training won't change a culture where leadership doesn't truly care." Her skepticism echoes broader criticism: over 160 workers contacted the BBC this year with fresh allegations, while law firm Leigh Day confirmed it is preparing legal action on behalf of hundreds of staff across 450 restaurants.

"Workers deserve safety-not empty promises. Employers must act, not just react when scandals erupt."

Ian Hodson, Bakers Union president

Kiran Daurka, a Leigh Day employment lawyer, noted the EHRC's renewed intervention signals systemic failures. "The 2023 agreement clearly wasn't enough," she said, urging scrutiny of McDonald's franchise model, where accountability often blurs between corporate oversight and local management.

Company defends progress amid legal and parliamentary scrutiny

McDonald's highlighted its "extensive initiatives," including a 24/7 digital reporting channel and enhanced onboarding, which it claims have raised awareness: 95% of employees now know how to report misconduct, per an internal survey. The company also cited 29 dismissals tied to harassment allegations over the past year.

However, the EHRC's warning letters to all UK franchises in early 2025-threatening legal action for noncompliance-underscore lingering concerns. Former UK CEO Alistair Macrow, who testified twice before Parliament on the issue, departed in September amid ongoing scrutiny.

Key measures in the updated agreement

• Manager training: Mandatory modules on grooming risks and social media harassment.
• External oversight: Independent reviews of complaint resolutions.
• Vulnerable worker protections: Safeguarding plans co-designed with external experts.
• Franchise accountability: Voluntary adoption of core policies, with EHRC monitoring.

The EHRC and McDonald's will collaborate on implementation, with progress reviews scheduled. Meanwhile, unions and legal advocates demand structural reforms, arguing that piecemeal training cannot address what they describe as a "culture of impunity."