'Must act now' | 1,400 McDonald's UK restaurants warned of legal action over staff sexual assault & harassment

McDonald’s branches across the UK have been threatened with legal action if they don’t take steps to protect staff from sexual harassment and abuse from colleagues.

The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) - the UK’s equality watchdog - has written to every one of the fast food giant’s 1,400 franchises across the nation, amid ongoing claims of chronic bullying, harassment and sexual assault.

The majority of McDonald's branches in the UK are franchised, meaning decisions about employees - including disciplinary measure - are made at restaurant level, rather than decisions being taken by the corporation.

The letter, written by the EHRC's chief executive John Kirkpatrick and seen exclusively by the BBC, warned all outlets: ''It is your duty to ensure that any anti-discrimination and harassment measures you currently have in place are effective, and to take any necessary steps to protect your workers."