McDonald's boss on abuse claims: 'I don't want to talk about the past'

The boss of McDonald's UK and Ireland has said she "doesn't want to talk about the past" when asked about allegations of abuse at the fast-food chain.

Lauren Schultz told the BBC what had happened in recent years was "unacceptable" but said "we have drawn a line under it".

A BBC investigation in 2023 heard from more than 100 McDonald's workers in the UK claiming they faced a toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying. Last year, staff said they still faced sexual abuse and harassment.

The UK equality watchdog agreed tougher measures with the company to protect staff in November, including new sexual harassment training.

One former McDonald's employee, who previously spoke up as part of the BBC's initial investigation, said she felt the company needed to talk about what had happened.

"I understand that she doesn't want to talk about the past. However, McDonald's has an infamous reputation for being a toxic workplace," she said.

"So, as much as they don't want to talk about the past, it is key to understanding that in order to be able to rewrite the narrative and draw the line, in my opinion."

The BBC's investigation in July 2023 head from workers, some as young as 17, who said they had been groped and harassed almost routinely.

After the report, McDonald's apologised and set up a new unit to deal with complaints.

Schulz, who replaced Alistair Macrow as chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland in September, said on Wednesday "a ton of work" had taken place to improve things since then.

"What happened in recent years is unacceptable," she said. "A safe and respectful workplace is a non-negotiable in our restaurants."

"We have zero tolerance for this behaviour and we have strong accountability measures in place."

• McDonald's - A toxic workplace for teenagers?

But when asked what had gone wrong before, and whether there had been a cultural problem at the firm, Schultz responded: "I can't speak to what went on before."

"I am here today to push us forward into the future and develop a culture."

She also didn't respond to questions about McDonald's franchise model, which some have pointed to as part of the problem, saying: "I don't want to speak about the past. What I'm here [for] is to build the future."

Ian Hodson, president of the Bakers, Food, and Allied Workers Union, said: "You don't fix a toxic workplace by staying silent."

"If they're serious, they should finally start listening to workers and their representatives," he added.