Bullying exposed in london fire brigade

An independent report has found widespread racism and misogyny within the London Fire Brigade. The Independent cultural review of London Fire Brigade is a thorough examination of the experiences of more than 2,000 staff over a period of 12 months.

The report was commissioned by London fire commissioner Andy Roe. It followed a recommendation from an internal investigation into the death of 21-year-old trainee firefighter, Jaden Matthew Francois-Esprit, who took his own life in August 2020 after being bullied at work.

The study found that women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent staff do less well in their careers and experience poor treatment.

Female firefighters reported being groped and beaten, Muslim employees had bacon and sausages stuffed into their pockets and a black firefighter had a noose put above his locker.

The report says that such abuse was “shockingly often dismissed as being just banter”. Gareth Cook, London regional organiser for the FBU firefighters’ union described the reported incidents of racism and misogyny as “extremely alarming”.

He stressed that morale and engagement are low, with 40% reporting frustration in their job because of staff shortages, poor workforce planning, no leave availability, poor work-life balance and low recognition.

The review contains 23 recommendations, including a historic review of complaints about racism, misogyny and bullying over the past five years.