Menu
17/02/2009
Homophobia In The Fire & Rescue Service Is Unacceptable: Sadiq Khan
The Fire Minister Sadiq Khan and the Fire & Rescue Service's associations and unions joined forces today urging all Fire and Rescue Services to sign up to the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.
In a letter to every Fire and Rescue Service in England the Minister encouraged chief fire officers to take action to tackle inequality and homophobia by joining Stonewall's Programme.
Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said: "If we are to attract and recruit the best people to the Fire and Rescue Service from the widest pool of talent then all must know that they are welcome, that there is equality of opportunity and they will be treated with dignity and respect. Their sexual orientation is an irrelevance.
"A survey of Fire & Rescue Service staff commissioned by the Government and published last year showed that gay people have experienced homophobia in the workplace. My message is clear - such attitudes are not acceptable in the 21st century. Bullying, harassment and discrimination have no place in the modern Fire and Rescue Service; these behaviours will not be tolerated and I expect to see them eradicated.
"Twenty of England's Fire and Rescue Services have already joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme and in doing so have made clear their commitment to positively promote issues of sexuality. However, I want to see real progress, with all 46 Services signed up to real cultural change."
The Diversity Champions Programme promotes understanding and provides good practice guidance around issues of sexual orientation in the workplace. Membership provides access to good practice sharing, networking opportunities and research.
Twenty of the 46 Fire and Rescue Services in England are currently members of the Stonewall Programme.
Communities and Local Government will work in partnership with the Service's key stakeholders to encourage support for the Programme from the remaining 26 Fire & Rescue Services.
The co-signatories are Stonewall, the Local Government Association, the Chief Fire Officers' Association, the Fire Brigades Union, UNISON, the Asian Fire Service Association, the Fire Officers' Association, the GMB, the National Disabled Fire Association, Networking Women in the Fire Service, and the Retained Firefighters Union.
(JM/BMcC)
In a letter to every Fire and Rescue Service in England the Minister encouraged chief fire officers to take action to tackle inequality and homophobia by joining Stonewall's Programme.
Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said: "If we are to attract and recruit the best people to the Fire and Rescue Service from the widest pool of talent then all must know that they are welcome, that there is equality of opportunity and they will be treated with dignity and respect. Their sexual orientation is an irrelevance.
"A survey of Fire & Rescue Service staff commissioned by the Government and published last year showed that gay people have experienced homophobia in the workplace. My message is clear - such attitudes are not acceptable in the 21st century. Bullying, harassment and discrimination have no place in the modern Fire and Rescue Service; these behaviours will not be tolerated and I expect to see them eradicated.
"Twenty of England's Fire and Rescue Services have already joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme and in doing so have made clear their commitment to positively promote issues of sexuality. However, I want to see real progress, with all 46 Services signed up to real cultural change."
The Diversity Champions Programme promotes understanding and provides good practice guidance around issues of sexual orientation in the workplace. Membership provides access to good practice sharing, networking opportunities and research.
Twenty of the 46 Fire and Rescue Services in England are currently members of the Stonewall Programme.
Communities and Local Government will work in partnership with the Service's key stakeholders to encourage support for the Programme from the remaining 26 Fire & Rescue Services.
The co-signatories are Stonewall, the Local Government Association, the Chief Fire Officers' Association, the Fire Brigades Union, UNISON, the Asian Fire Service Association, the Fire Officers' Association, the GMB, the National Disabled Fire Association, Networking Women in the Fire Service, and the Retained Firefighters Union.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
22 March 2005
Fire costs economy £7.7 billion
Fire cost the economy in England and Wales £7.7 billion in 2003, according to a new report. 'The Economic Costs of Fire' report found that direct losses from fire – such as death, injury, absence and damage to property – amounted to £3.3 billion.
Fire costs economy £7.7 billion
Fire cost the economy in England and Wales £7.7 billion in 2003, according to a new report. 'The Economic Costs of Fire' report found that direct losses from fire – such as death, injury, absence and damage to property – amounted to £3.3 billion.
03 March 2010
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
19 November 2008
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
