Lawyers concerned McDonald’s appears to not have taken responsibility after harassment and discrimination reports at its UK franchises

It comes as the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned McDonald’s and its franchises that they could face legal action if they fail to protect workers from harassment and discrimination. 

In a new letter sent to the UK restaurant chain, the EHRC said there was “no excuse not to comply” with rules protecting its workers from unlawful discrimination or harassment.

McDonald’s told the BBC it was “committed” to providing a safe working environment for staff.

More than 700 people who were aged 19 or younger when working at McDonald’s have now instructed law firm Leigh Day to take legal action on their behalf.

EHRC chief executive John Kirkpatrick said: “Every business in Britain, whether it’s small or large, must comply with the Equality Act. The owners of McDonald’s franchises are no exception and we’ve written to them directly to make their obligations clear.

Adding that, “We are actively working with McDonald’s Restaurants Limited to strengthen our ongoing legal agreement with them in the light of the serious allegations raised from workers.”

Mandy Bhattal, a solicitor of Leigh Day’s employment team said:

"Whilst we have not seen the letter sent to franchisees, we welcome the latest steps taken by the EHRC with regards to McDonald’s and its franchisees.  We are very concerned that harassment and discrimination giving rise to unsafe workplaces remains an issue in McDonald’s restaurants across the country.  

"It’s worrying that over two years since McDonald’s agreed with the EHRC to take action due to reports of harassment and discrimination, and almost six months since updated laws regarding sexual harassment have been in place, they appear to have not taken responsibility for continued actions of its franchisees, meaning the EHRC has needed to step in.  

"We represent hundreds of young current and former McDonald's employees, bringing claims in relation to discrimination and the workplace culture, and part of their claims is that McDonald's have a responsibility to its workers to ensure that its franchisees are operating correctly and lawfully. This includes in relation to the protection of the young and vulnerable workforce.

"We look forward to hopefully now seeing change in terms of practices and policies within all McDonald’s restaurants to ensure the staff are protected from harassment, discrimination and unsafe workplaces."