McDonald’s UK Boss Reveals 29 Firings Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Alistair Macrow, the head of McDonald’s in the UK, revealed that 29 employees were dismissed over the past year following sexual harassment allegations. Speaking to Members of Parliament (MPs), Macrow described the reported incidents as “abhorrent” and emphasized that such behavior has no place within the company.
The remarks come after a BBC investigation uncovered ongoing reports of harassment and abuse at McDonald’s restaurants, despite promises made last year to address workplace misconduct.
Claims Persist Despite New Measures
Workers have reported continued harassment, with the BBC documenting over 160 allegations since July 2023. Meanwhile, the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has received 300 complaints, prompting plans for further intervention.
Chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, Liam Byrne, cited these figures during a session, questioning whether McDonald’s had become a “predator’s paradise.” Macrow responded by stating the company had introduced extensive safety measures and emphasized their commitment to fostering a respectful workplace.
He shared that 75 sexual harassment complaints had been filed in the past year, with 47 resulting in disciplinary action. Of those, 29 employees were dismissed. While Macrow acknowledged progress, he admitted the goal of eliminating harassment entirely remains unmet.
“I won’t be happy until there are no claims,” he said, adding that a lack of complaints would raise concerns about whether employees felt safe speaking out.
Zero-Hours Contracts Raise Power Imbalance Concerns
During the session, MPs also pressed Macrow on the prevalence of zero-hours contracts. Currently, 89% of McDonald’s UK employees work under these contracts, which offer no guaranteed hours. While McDonald’s states workers can request guaranteed hours, 50 employees told the BBC they were not given that option.
Some workers described the contracts as creating an imbalance of power, leaving them vulnerable. Others, however, found the flexibility beneficial.
Byrne questioned whether such arrangements contribute to workplace abuse. Macrow countered that the majority of allegations predate recent reforms and that flexible contracts remain popular, particularly among younger staff.
History of Allegations and Company Response
The BBC began investigating McDonald’s in early 2023, shortly after the company signed a legally binding agreement with the EHRC pledging to protect employees from harassment. Following the initial findings, McDonald’s issued an apology and established a dedicated unit to handle complaints.
The EHRC also launched a hotline for employees to report abuse. However, the watchdog now plans to take stronger action against the company, citing ongoing concerns.
McDonald’s maintains it has made significant progress, implementing what it calls “industry-leading practices” to ensure worker safety. Yet, the persistence of allegations underscores the challenges the fast-food giant faces in creating a truly harassment-free environment.
