EHRC Warns All McDonald's UK Branches Over Staff Sexual Abuse

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued a warning to all 1,400 McDonald's branches in Britain, stating that they could face legal action if they do not take adequate measures to protect employees from sexual abuse. This follows a BBC investigation revealing a toxic culture of harassment within the fast-food chain, where employees reported ongoing issues even after commitments from leadership to improve workplace conditions. The EHRC emphasized that all businesses, including franchises, must comply with the Equality Act, which mandates proper safeguarding and complaint handling. McDonald's has publicly stated its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment, but employees like a 19-year-old worker named Alan expressed skepticism, citing continued verbal abuse and harassment. The situation is particularly concerning as most McDonald's locations operate as franchises, which complicates oversight and accountability. The EHRC's intervention highlights the urgent need for systemic changes within the company to address these troubling allegations.