Sexual Assault at McDonalds: UK Restaurants Threatened With Legal Action

Recent reports have raised serious concerns about workplace safety and harassment at a number of McDonald’s restaurants across the UK.

Staff members have come forward with allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct, prompting widespread public attention and potential legal action.

These claims highlight worrying breaches of employment law and health and safety regulations, with accusations that some workers were subjected to inappropriate behaviour and felt unable to report their experiences due to fear of retaliation.

As solicitors committed to supporting employees facing workplace injustice, we recognise how distressing these situations can be. Every individual has the legal right to feel safe and respected at work. Where that right is compromised, there are legal avenues available to seek redress and protect your wellbeing.

If you believe you have been affected by similar circumstances, our experienced employment law team is here to provide clear legal advice and support.

The allegations against McDonald’s

The Equality Watchdog has written to all 1,400 McDonald’s branches, warning that its owners could face potential legal action if they fail to prevent sexual abuse in their workplaces.

Multiple McDonald’s employees across UK branches have made serious allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

This is despite an agreement from the company’s Executive promising to improve the behaviour at their restaurants a year earlier.

Staff claim they have faced unwanted physical contact, sexual comments, and verbal abuse from colleagues and managers.

Some workers reported being pressured into silence or fearing retaliation if they spoke up.

The majority of McDonald's restaurants are run by franchisees, who are independent business owners that trade under McDonald’s established brand name.

The Equality Watchdog has said in its latest letter that franchises not found to be protecting their staff will face potential legal action under the Equality Act for breaches of employment law.

What action must McDonald’s take?

The letter from the Equality Watchdog outlines the practical steps McDonald’s restaurants should take to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

These include carrying out regular risk assessments, providing additional safeguards for younger and more vulnerable staff, and ensuring that complaints are handled sensitively and thoroughly through a clear, established procedure.

It warns that any franchise failing to meet its legal responsibilities could face enforcement action. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has the authority to launch formal investigations and, in cases of continued non-compliance, pursue legal proceedings that may result in unlimited fines.

What is legally defined as sexual harassment?

In the UK, sexual harassment is legally defined under the Equality Act 2010. It occurs when someone engages in unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating another person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

This can include unwelcome comments, jokes, physical contact, gestures, or the sharing of explicit content. Importantly, it’s how the behaviour makes the recipient feel that matters, not whether the perpetrator intended harm. Both employers and individuals have legal responsibilities to prevent and address such conduct in the workplace.

How can Lyons Solicitors assist with sexual harassment and abuse claims at McDonald’s?

At Lyons Solicitors, we understand how difficult it can be to come forward after experiencing sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace.

Our experienced employment law team offers clear, compassionate advice to help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

We can support you in bringing a claim against your employer, whether it’s McDonald’s or another organisation, ensuring your concerns are taken seriously and handled with complete confidentiality.

From initial advice to formal legal action, we are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for you.

Speak to our sexual abuse solicitors in Bristol

We are able to offer a free first consultation to answer any questions you might have about the sexual abuse claims process and help clarify your situation.

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist sexual abuse solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today. You can use the contact details for each office or, alternatively, fill in the enquiry form on the right-hand side of the page to request a call back.