McDonalds pledges to protect staff amid sexual harassment complaints

This comes following a barrage of sexual harassment complaints reported in the fast-food chain’s US and UK restaurants.

It is currently unknown how many complaints have been submitted in the UK chains, but the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) claimed in 2019 that more than 1,000 UK cases have been reported.

The pledge with the equality watchdog Equality and Human Rights Commission has committed McDonald’s to measures to protect UK workers, following perceived failings in their response to UK sexual harassment complaints.

Read more: Gender savings gap leaves women saving 35% less than men

These measures include anti-harassment training for employees and a general improvement of policies surrounding harassment.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:  “There should be zero tolerance of sexual harassment in every organisation. It can devastate people’s lives and create a toxic working environment for all.

“We are pleased that McDonald’s has signed this agreement to signal their intent to make their restaurants safe places to work. The improvements they put in place can set an example for others to follow, whether in the hospitality industry or elsewhere.”

Read more: Royal Mail postal workers announce fresh strike

Alistair Macrow, chief executive officer, McDonald’s Restaurants Limited in UK and Ireland said: “As one of the UK’s leading employers, the safety and wellbeing of our people is our absolute priority. It is hugely important to me that everyone in our organisation feels safe, respected and included at all times – this is core to the values of our business.

“We already have a strong track record in this area and I now welcome the opportunity to work with the EHRC to further strengthen this.

"We will partner with the EHRC to bolster our best practice training and reporting approaches across our business to ensure that our values are understood, lived and acted upon across our organisation. Harassment and abuse have no place in our society or at McDonald’s.”

Read more: McDonald’s former CEO fined $400,000 following relationship with employee