The chief executive officer of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, Alistair Macrow, is set to appear before the UK Parliament on 14 November, following a series of allegations about the work environment at the fast-food giant's franchises.
This summons by the Business and Trade Committee comes in the wake of a BBC report referencing more than 100 current and former McDonald's Corp’s staff members alleging a toxic culture of sexual assault, racism and bullying.
Macrow expressed his regret over the allegations in a statement published on Thursday, stating: “I am completely determined to root out any behaviour that falls below the high standards of respect, safety and inclusion we demand of everyone at McDonald’s.”
He acknowledged that McDonald's had "clearly fallen short" in several areas.
The BBC report highlighted complaints from workers, some as young as 17, who faced regular sexual harassment by colleagues.
Macrow admitted to workplace failings and stated that any substantiated breaches of conduct would be met with severe measures, including dismissal.
However, a follow-up to the BBC’s initial investigation suggests that sexual misconduct, bullying and racist language remain prevalent in the chain.
Most McDonald’s outlets in the UK operate as franchises, meaning the staff are employed by the outlet operator, not the group itself.
This structure has raised questions about the oversight and enforcement of company policies at these locations. In response to the BBC report published in July, the chair of the Business and Trade Committee recommended the termination of certain franchise deals.
In response, McDonald’s has initiated investigations into all claims brought to its attention, introduced an additional reporting mechanism, and engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to evaluate its procedures.