UK 
United States
We’re only in February, yet 2025 has started out with stark warning to employers. In January, hundreds of current and former McDonald’s employees joined forces to take legal action against the fast-food giant, citing widespread harassment across its UK franchises.
The allegations, first exposed by the BBC, describe a “toxic culture” of sexual harassment, racism, bullying, and assault. This follows the 2023 Business and Trade Committee hearing, where McDonald’s UK CEO Alistair Macrow pledged to improve workplace conditions. However, just weeks ago, Macrow revealed that since November 2023, McDonald’s had received 75 new allegations of sexual harassment, leading to 47 disciplinary actions and 29 dismissals.
So, why has this ‘toxic culture’ persisted and what can businesses learn from it?
How do I prevent workplace harassment?
Creating a safe and respectful work environment is not only a legal obligation, particularly following the introduction of The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act on 26 October 2024, but is also a moral imperative for organisations.
