McDonald’s UK has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite its US-based parent company reducing similar programs following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
While McDonald’s US recently removed diversity targets for senior roles, restructured its diversity department, and dropped DEI requirements for suppliers, the UK division remains focused on its goals. These include ensuring 40% of senior leadership roles are held by individuals from under-represented groups by 2030 and promoting social inclusion within its supply chains.
The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), representing UK food workers, had urged McDonald’s UK to resist following the US example, calling the American approach “regressive.”
This divergence echoes a similar scenario at Deloitte, where the UK arm upheld its diversity goals despite the US branch ending specific DEI targets and regular reporting.
Corporate DEI initiatives have become increasingly contentious. Supporters argue they foster better performance by promoting diverse talent, while critics claim they undermine meritocracy. The debate intensified after a recent US Supreme Court ruling limited affirmative action in universities, influencing some companies to reduce DEI commitments. Major US firms such as Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson have scaled back their diversity programs.
Donald Trump has consistently criticized what he terms “woke companies” and signaled plans to challenge corporate DEI policies.
In the UK, McDonald’s has faced allegations of workplace bullying and harassment. Globally, the company dealt with reputational fallout after the 2019 dismissal of former CEO Steve Easterbrook for an inappropriate relationship with an employee.
The Fawcett Society, advocating for women’s rights, warned that US rollbacks could undermine workplace diversity progress in Britain. However, criticism is not limited to conservatives. Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently cautioned against “ideological hobby horses” within DEI efforts, warning they could distract from genuine equality initiatives.
For now, McDonald’s UK maintains its DEI commitments despite external pressures. Whether this stance will endure as global opposition to diversity programs grows remains uncertain.
