The boss of McDonald’s UK has expressed shock and apologised after further allegations of sexual abuse emerged following a BBC investigation on Tuesday.

Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald’s UK and Ireland told the BBC the claims were “personally and professionally shocking” and added the company had “clearly fallen short” in a number of areas.

More than 100 existing and former staff have alleged they were subjected to sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying.

Workers have said the top boss’s remarks are “too little, too late”.

Warren, who claimed he was sexually harassed by his manager at a Hampshire restaurant when he was 16, said: “How can you be shocked? How can you be CEO of a company and not know this is going on?”

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McDonald’s has launched a new, dedicated investigation handling team in response. It aims to “have an oversight” on all cases and will refer the most serious cases to a “third-party legal team staffed by specialist investigators.”

Some are sceptical about whether a new unit will make any difference. Worker, Emily, was allegedly groped by her McDonald’s manager when she was 17 said: “I’m glad they’re trying a new system but I’m not sure it’s going to be any more effective than what they’ve already tried to do.”

More than 100 current and recent staff at UK outlets of McDonald’s alleged they worked in a toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying.

Since the BBC’s report was published on Tuesday, further stories have surfaced, putting further pressure on the fast food giant.

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Mr Macrow has said he wants to ensure people have the confidence to speak out. He added: “I am determined to root out any behaviour or conduct that falls below the high standards of respect, safety, and inclusion we demand of everyone at McDonald’s.”

Meanwhile, MPs have written to Mr Macrow demanding answers in the wake of the BBC’s probe.

Darren Jones, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, asked what action the company takes to ensure franchises comply with UK labour laws. Most workers are not directly employed by McDonald’s because the company uses a franchise system. McDonald’s has until 11 August to respond to the letter.

The fast-food chain is one of the biggest private sector employers in the UK and it has more than 170,000 people working in 1,450 restaurants.

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