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Written question asked by Rebecca Long Bailey (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

McDonalds Restaurants: Work Experience

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of safeguarding measures for in-person work experience placements at i) outlets centrally owned by and ii) franchisee-owned stores operated by McDonald's UK in relation to the risk of sexual harassment of young people in the workplace.

Answer

The Department is pleased to work with employers such as McDonald’s UK to provide work experience opportunities.

All employers hosting placements are required to comply with relevant legislation and are expected to provide a safe working environment including safeguards relating to health and safety, welfare, equality and protection from harassment. Participants undertaking work experience placements are covered by the same workplace protections as other workers.

The Department undertakes due diligence when establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers. This includes requiring employers to sign an employer agreement confirming their compliance with relevant workplace safety and safeguarding legislation and maintaining ongoing engagement through Jobcentre Employer and Partnership teams. Where concerns are raised, placements can be reviewed and appropriate action can be taken.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3303
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Work experience Sexual harassment McDonalds Restaurants
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk