McDonald’s faces fresh harassment claims as UK boss prepares to face MPs
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McDonald’s is facing fresh claims of widespread harassment across its UK branches as hundreds of young current and former workers join a legal action against the company. More than 700 people who were aged 19 or younger when working at McDonald’s have instructed law firm Leigh Day to take legal action on their behalf.
The claims come as UK chief executive Alistair Macrow prepares to face questions from MPs later on Tuesday on employment rights. More than 450 McDonald’s restaurants are implicated in the claims so far, which describe discrimination, homophobia, racism, ableism and harassment.
One 19-year-old employee called Matt told a BBC investigation that his colleagues were scared of going into work and that managers would “touch up” some staff. This investigation has exposed how sexual harassment and insecure work can go hand in hand.
Another former worker, who was identified as Claire, said a shift manager asked her for sex in exchange for extra shifts. She was 17 at the time and he was in his 30s, the former worker said. Another man, 19, who is currently working at a branch of McDonald’s, said: “I’ve had to deal with homophobic comments from managers and crew members – I feel as though I can’t speak to any managers about it.
