McDonald’s Ordered to Strengthen Safeguards Against Sexual Harassment
McDonald’s in the UK is introducing stronger protections for young workers after widespread reports of sexual harassment, including cases involving teenagers as young as 16 and 17.
Following a BBC investigation that revealed hundreds of allegations, such as managers touching young staff, sending inappropriate photos, bullying, and telling affected persons to “suck it up”, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has strengthened its enforcement plan.
Under the new measures, McDonald’s will:
- Provide new training for managers focused on grooming and online risks
- Bring in an external body to review how harassment complaints are handled
- Implement a new safeguarding plan to protect young and vulnerable workers
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Strengthen risk assessments and reporting channels
More than 300 incidents have been reported since 2023, raising serious concerns about young employees’ safety at work. Some former workers expressed fear that the new steps may not create meaningful change, saying harassment had continued even after earlier measures were introduced.
The EHRC and worker advocates say the company must ensure that every employee can work without aggression, sexual abuse, or intimidation.
The disturbing reports of harassment involving teenagers at McDonald’s highlight the urgent need to protect young people from violence, exploitation, and degrading treatment in the workplace.
