McDonald’s has agreed to introduce new sexual harassment training and independent oversight in a strengthened deal with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), following ongoing reports of abuse at its UK outlets.
The new measures, announced Thursday, expand a 2023 legally binding agreement between the company and the EHRC after serious allegations of misconduct emerged.
The fast-food giant will implement specialist training for managers focused on identifying grooming and online harassment, and hire an external body to review how it handles sexual harassment complaints.
The reforms will apply to the restaurants across England, Scotland, and Wales. While franchisees are not direct parties to the deal, they are expected to adopt similar safeguards.
The BBC’s investigations since 2023 revealed from more than 250 McDonald’s workers alleging sexual assault, harassment, bullying, and racism.
Despite a previous company apology and creation of a dedicated complaints unit, new claims have continued to surface.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, EHRC chair, said the watchdog strengthened its action plan after determining McDonald’s needed to take stronger, more specific steps to protect staff.
“We’re pleased with the significant steps McDonald’s has agreed to take toward a safer working environment,” she added.
McDonald’s said it welcomed the new agreement, stating it would “build on significant progress already made” and reaffirmed its commitment to a “zero-tolerance policy on harassment.”
