Initial response to HMICFRS report: Values and culture in fire and rescue services
Discrimination and harassment problems go “right to the top” says Fire Brigades Union
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today produced a report into ‘Values and Culture in Fire and Rescue Services’. The report n otes widespread discrimination, harassment and bullying across Fire and Rescue Services in the UK. Responding to the report, FBU...
FBU Statement on Equalities and Fire Service Culture
On Tuesday 28 March, the Fire Brigades Union Executive Council approved the following statement: The publication of the Independent Culture Review in November 2022 revealed serious issues in the London Fire Brigade, including widespread complaints about misogyny, racism, homophobia and harassment...
The stench of bias
Reporting of changes to strength tests for all firefighters was factually incorrect and seems designed to have a negative impact of serving and potential female firefighters, says Rachel Rogers There is no getting away from the fact that the firefighter role is overwhelmingly male. Over the years...
Nearly one in four Northamptonshire fire and rescue staff subject to discrimination
A new inspection of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, released today, has found failings in the way they look after their workforce. This includes a finding that 24% of staff had been subject to discrimination over the past 12 months. Just 25% of the staff who had been subjected to...
Meet the rep - Philippa Smith, brigade organiser West Midlands
1. What made you want to become a rep? I’ve always been interested in the FBU, from sitting on the picket line with my dad and his watch during the 2002 strike to when I became a firefighter and joined the union in 2014. Becoming a rep was a natural progression, especially working on a strong FBU...
Labour and TUC women's conferences 2022
'We demand that employers make policy and provision for issues affecting women' FBU members took part in the women's TUC and women's Labour Party conferences in March. Emergency motions on Ukraine figured at both the Labour Party and TUC women's conferences. They highlighted the impact of war on...
From firemen to firefighters – women in our union have always challenged stereotypes
On International Women’s Day (8th March) we sisters should take the time to celebrate and learn about our history, in our union and the wider historical struggle for equality. This year: the theme for the day is #BreakTheBias and women in our industry know only too well the biases, prejudices and...
FBU wins landmark Covid discrimination ruling
The FBU has scored a win in a discrimination case against a fire and rescue service, having successfully argued that forcing staff with disabilities to use annual leave or TOIL when shielding amounted to discrimination. The case is thought to be the first where an employer has discriminated as a...
