Ronan Kpakio

Ronan Kpakio, a Liberian man living in South Wales, filed a discrimination complaint against McDonald's after alleging racial discrimination during his job application process. Kpakio claimed that he applied for a job at a local McDonald's under his real name but was rejected. Subsequently, he submitted another application using a more traditionally British-sounding name, Craig Owen, and was offered an interview. This incident highlighted concerns about racial bias in hiring practices.

Ronan Kpakio took his case against McDonald's to an employment tribunal, arguing that the fast-food company engaged in racial discrimination by not offering him an interview when he applied with his real name but extending an interview invitation when he used a British-sounding pseudonym. The case attracted significant media attention and sparked discussions about systemic racism and discrimination in hiring practices. The tribunal considered whether McDonald's actions amounted to unlawful discrimination under UK law.

The employment tribunal reached a decision regarding Ronan Kpakio's discrimination claim against McDonald's. The tribunal found that there was insufficient evidence to prove that McDonald's had intentionally discriminated against Kpakio based on racial grounds. Despite this outcome, the case had already ignited widespread discussion on the topic of racial discrimination in the workplace, with many advocating for more transparent and fair recruitment practices.