Fresh allegations of harassment at McDonald’s have sparked public outcry and renewed focus on the treatment of young workers in the fast-food industry.
The latest allegations involve:
- Managers regularly “touching up” other members of staff
- Degrading and humiliating verbal abuse
- Racism directed at staff members by managers and other employees
- Complaints being downplayed or ignored
- A workplace culture that leaves some employees scared to go into work
These incidents reveal a culture of fear and silence, where victims of harassment often felt that their complaints would be ignored, or worse, would lead to retaliation. Many of those affected were young workers, some as young as 16 or 17, who were left in a vulnerable position, unsure of where to turn for support.
The “sex-for-shifts” claim
One of the most widely reported allegations involves a “sex-for-shifts” incident, in which a McDonald’s manager allegedly offered more shifts to a worker in exchange for sexual favours. This shocking claim was revealed by the BBC and represents one of the most egregious examples of abuse within the company.
While disturbing, this is just one example within a much broader pattern of sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination reported by over 700 current and former employees. And, despite promises to clean up behaviour at McDonald’s, it appears workers are still facing sexual abuse and harassment.
The McDonald’s sexual abuse and harassment claim
If you were aged 19 or under and experienced sexual harassment, assault, bullying, intimidation, or any form of mistreatment while working at McDonald’s, you could be eligible to join a major group legal action. The legal action underscores the scale of the problem, as workers come forward to share their experiences of abuse, often perpetrated by managers or senior staff.
These brave individuals are not just seeking justice for themselves, but demanding a change in a system that has allowed this mistreatment to persist for too long.
McDonald’s response
In response to the allegations and the lawsuits against it, McDonald’s UK CEO Alistair Macrow issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the situation.
- He confirmed that a number of employees had been dismissed for misconduct.
- The company also pledged to take stronger action to address harassment and discrimination.
However, the new allegations indicate not enough has changed.
The low-wage, often insecure nature of fast-food work can make it easy for abusive behaviour to go unchecked, and for victims to feel powerless to report it. Dismissing perpetrators is only part of the solution – systemic changes are needed to prevent future incidents. This includes:
- Better safeguards for employees, such as clearer reporting processes, mandatory training for staff and managers
- Creating a culture where harassment is not tolerated, and where employees feel safe reporting incidents without fear of retaliation
- Strengthening protections for workers, including those on zero-hour contracts or temporary employment
Legal actions and fines may now be the only way to force McDonald’s to make the necessary changes and ensure workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Mcdonald’s sexual harassment case UK: What you can do now
The bravery of those who have come forward to share their stories has already helped raise awareness of the issues many workers face. If you’ve been affected by harassment at McDonald’s, join them in a legal action to seek justice, make your voice heard, and help drive real change in the workplace.
You may be eligible to join a McDonald’s sexual abuse and harassment compensation claim if:
- You worked at McDonald’s (any location in the UK)
- You experienced sexual harassment, abuse, bullying, racism, or related misconduct
- You were 19 or younger when the incidents occurred (though others may also be eligible)
- The incidents happened within the last several years.
If you have a claim, and you want to join the McDonald’s sexual abuse and harassment action, register your interest and we’ll connect you with a regulated UK law firm.
