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McDonald's UK boss on abuse claims: 'I don't want to talk about the past'
McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive Schulz says she does not want to discuss past abuse allegations, while vowing progress and a safe workplace. The article notes a prior November agreement with the UK equality watchdog on tougher staff protections, an apology and a new complaints unit, and a new work placement programme for youth, with responses from a union leader and a government minister.
Why It Matters
Shows ongoing scrutiny of workplace culture at McDonald's in the UK and Ireland, and government-union involvement in staff protections and youth employment initiatives.
Timeline
9 Events
Government endorsement of the work placement initiative
April 22, 2026
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden called the scheme a really important step in helping young people gain work experience, training, or employment.
Paid work placement programme for 2,500 young people announced
April 22, 2026
McDonald's launched a paid work placement programme for 2,500 young people nationwide, offering five-day placements for 16 to 25-year-olds with a quarter targeted at NEETs or those at risk of becoming NEET.
Union reaction to silence on toxic workplace
April 22, 2026
Ian Hodson, president of the Bakers, Food, and Allied Workers Union, said you don't fix a toxic workplace by staying silent and urged listening to workers and their representatives.
Franchise model questioned; Schulz focuses on the future
April 22, 2026
Schulz did not respond to questions about McDonald's franchise model, stating she doesn't want to speak about the past and is here to build the future.
Schulz declines to discuss previous issues or culture
April 22, 2026
When asked what went wrong before or whether there was a cultural problem, Schulz refused to speak about the past, saying she is focused on building the future.
Schulz: past years' conduct unacceptable; zero-tolerance workplace
April 22, 2026
Schulz said what happened in recent years is unacceptable and that a safe and respectful workplace is non-negotiable with zero tolerance.
Schulz says a ton of work has been done to improve conditions
April 22, 2026
Schulz stated that a ton of work had taken place to improve things since her appointment as chief executive in September.
McDonald's apologises and sets up a new complaints unit
April 22, 2026
Following the report, McDonald's apologised and established a new unit to handle complaints.
November 2025: UK equality watchdog measures agreed
November 2025
The UK equality watchdog agreed tougher measures with McDonald's to protect staff, including new sexual harassment training.