Misconduct | McDonald's harassment case is a wake-up call for employers

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.