Every McDonald's in Britain has been warned of legal action in connection with staff sexual harassment following widespread claims more than a year ago. A BBC investigation uncovered more than a hundred claims of sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying in July 2023, five months after the signed a legally binding agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to protect its staff from sexual harassment.

The EHRC agreement applied to the owners, not the franchises, however the most recent letter to 1,400 McDonald's states that all businesses small or large must comply with the Equality Act, or risk "enforcement action." The letter explains how restaurants could implement steps to prevent sexual harassment, including regular risk assessments, safeguarding procedures, and a system to deal with complaints sensitively and effectively. EHRC has the power to take investigations to court if an organisation fails to comply, where an unlimited fine could be given.

A McDonald's spokesperson said the letter was sent to "remind our franchisees of their legal obligations to provide a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for their employees - which is the same legal requirement of all employers".

In the original investigation, a 17-year-old employee in Cheshire said a colleague 20 years older than her called her a racial slur word and asked to show her his penis, and said he wanted to make a "black and white" baby with her.

Another former worker was 17 when they said a senior manager at a Plymouth restaurant choked her and grabbed her bottom, as well as claiming a shift manager sent her sexually explicit images.

There were also claims that a manager in a Cheshire restaurant preyed on 16-year-old new female starters to try to pressurise them into having sex.

said it was "committed" to doing everything it can to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and it is "confident" that its existing plan is working.

It added that enhanced training programmes, onboarding practices, and a digital speak-up channel has been launched.

Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, called on the to explain "why it is only now writing to McDonald's restaurants about their new duty under the law, to prevent sexual harassment from taking place, when it came into effect nearly six months ago".

Alistair Macrow, the boss of UK McDonald's, confirmed 29 people were dismissed over sexual harassment allegations in the past 12 months from January.

EHRC head John Kirkpatrick told the BBC's Today programme that the letter was a "starting point" and that if it doesn't prove successful, they can "investigate further".

He added the most effective route would be through agreements, but if they don't progress "adequately", that is when stronger action can be taken.