McDonalds strengthens UK staff protection after sex abuse scandal

McDonald's UK has entered into an agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to enhance protections for its staff against sexual abuse and harassment. This follows a warning from the EHRC to McDonald's UK franchise owners of potential legal action for non-compliance with an initial agreement signed in 2023. The strengthened measures come after over 700 individuals, many of whom were under 19 when employed, instructed a law firm to pursue legal action over allegations of sexual assault, discrimination, homophobia, racism, and bullying. By February, more than 450 McDonald's restaurants were implicated in these claims. Under the new agreement, which extends the original legal pact by at least a year, McDonald's will implement a new safeguarding plan with external experts to protect vulnerable staff. Investigations into complaints against managers will be conducted externally, and an independent auditor will review the company's new complaints handling unit. Training for managers and franchisees will also be expanded to include issues related to social media and grooming. McDonald's stated that it has already implemented... download the app to read more