McDonald's scandal: More UK workers join legal action after 'sex for shifts' allegations
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Another 30 McDonald’s UK workers have joined legal action against the fast food giant, the Mirror can reveal. Law firm Leigh Day says others have come forward with claims against McDonald’s since fresh allegations emerged earlier this month, taking the number now to more than 750. The US burger chain has been rocked by allegations of sex abuse and harassment by teenage staff members. The accusations include one manager offering a worker extra shifts for sex.
McDonald’s vowed in November 2023 to tackle the problem. But fresh allegations emerged earlier this month, suggesting it was continuing. There are also discrimination, homophobia and racism claims. And staff allege bosses asked youngsters how may people they had slept with or touched them inappropriately.
Around 90% are on zero-hour contracts and an MP recently claimed this made their position vulnerable. In November 2023, the firm’s UK boss, Alistair Macrow, issued an apology after similar claims were levelled at it and admitted he had received around 400 complaints. But giving evidence to the Commons Business and Trade Committee last week, he revealed just 75 allegations had been investigated, with only 29 staff dismissed.
Chairman Liam Byrne asked him during the hearing: “Has McDonald’s become a predators’ paradise?” Mr Macrow, 54, insisted he put in a “programme of significant change” which “is working”. Jessica Hunt, employment solicitor at Leigh Day said: “With an average age of 20 years, it’s essential the McDonald’s workforce feel safe. It would seem that a culture of harassment may have exposed largely young crew members to an environment that would likely be detrimental to their wellbeing. No employee should be exposed to unsafe working practices. By bringing a group claim, we can provide young crew members with a collective voice.
