More than 700 current and former McDonald's workers speak out on 'sex for shifts' scandal
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More than 700 current and ex McDonald’s staff are suing the firm over allegations bosses sexually abused them as teenagers. The burger giant has been hit by new claims just a year after UK chief Alistair Macrow apologised over sordid accusations. The include allegations of “sex for shifts”. In the Commons today, McDonald’s was accused of becoming a “predators’ paradise”.
More than a year ago McDonald’s vowed to tackle claims of sex abuse and harassment, but shocking behaviour towards teenage staff allegedly continues. It's said that 700 current and former employers are now taking legal action against the burger giant - including accusations one manager offered a worker extra shifts for sex.
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 believe their position makes them vulnerable.
In November 2023, Mr 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 today, he revealed just 75 allegations had been investigated, with only 29 staff dismissed.
Chairman Liam Byrne asked him: “Has McDonald’s become a predators’ paradise?” Mr Macrow, 54, insisted he put in a “programme of significant change” which “is working”. But the BBC reported staff are still facing sexual abuse and torment – more than a year after it investigated the claims in July 2023.
