'People are scared' | HR experts react as McDonald's rocked by hundreds of new sexual harassment & bullying claims

McDonald’s staff say they’re still facing abuse, bullying & sexual harassment in the workplace, despite bosses vowing to stamp out such behaviour more than a year ago.

The company is facing legal action from hundreds of current and ex-employees - many in their teens and early 20s - after a BBC investigation uncovered fresh claims made of horrendous treatment while working for the fast food giant.

Allegations include an incident where a 16-year-old girl was told to “suck it up” after complaining that managers and customers had touched her inappropriately. Another 16-year-old staff member in the West Midlands also alleges that he was bullied and sworn at by managers, while a 19–year-old told the BBC some colleagues were scared of going into work because managers would "touch up" other members of staff.

A female who was just 17 at the time was also reportedly asked for sex in exchange for extra shifts, by a manager in their 30s.