McDonald’s sets up investigation unit after abuse claims

Alistair Macrow, boss of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, has said the claims he had heard this week are “personally and professionally shocking,” as the company launches a new investigation handling unit in the wake of the shocking claims on abuse at the fast-food chain. 

Macrow apologised to anyone affected. 

An investigation by the BBC was told workers some as young as 17, are being groped and harassed almost routinely. 

Mr Macrow said: “The unit will have oversight on all cases and the power to refer the most serious cases to a third-party legal team staffed by specialist investigators.

“The unit will be run by human resource and legal professionals full-time until at least the end of this year.”

More than 100 current and recent staff at UK outlets of McDonald’s alleged that they worked in a toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying. And more stories have come to light following the BBC’s report. 

“I am determined to root out any behaviour or conduct that falls below the high standards of respect, safety and inclusion we demand of everyone at McDonald’s,” Macrow said.