Marvin OnumonuThe Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has extended its legal agreement with McDonald’s Restaurants Limited to protect staff from sexual harassment.
The move follows serious allegations raised after the original agreement was signed in February 2023.
Under the new action plan, McDonald’s will bring in a safeguarding policy and review its current policies.
The company will work with external experts on a safeguarding plan for vulnerable workers, covering all McDonald’s and franchise restaurants.
An external auditor will check the new complaints handling unit to make sure sexual harassment complaints are dealt with properly.
Complaints against managers will be investigated outside the restaurant.
McDonald’s will keep its communications push to encourage staff to speak up and run a 24/7 chatbot for complaints.
Sexual harassment training for restaurant managers and franchisees will be updated, covering social media and grooming of young or vulnerable staff.
Risk assessments will be strengthened and restaurant inspections used to check they are up to date and reflect any lessons from complaints.
Staff surveys will be used to spot issues and check workplaces are safe and inclusive.
All franchisees will be asked to pledge to policies and systems that create a safe workplace.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the EHRC, said: “We originally signed a legal agreement with McDonald’s to prevent sexual harassment in 2023.
“After serious allegations were raised, we decided we needed to update the action plan with stronger actions that were more specific to the way McDonald’s operates.
“We’re pleased with the significant steps McDonald’s has agreed to take towards a safer working environment for its staff and recognise the hard work they’ve done so far.”
Falkner added: “Once completed, the actions that make up this legal agreement will ensure that there is zero tolerance for harassment at McDonald’s and there are clear routes to report and resolve complaints if it does occur.
“Everyone in the UK has the right to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
“As Britain’s equality regulator, we will continue to use our enforcement powers to ensure that right is upheld.”
