Simon Bailey, 58, a firefighter previously lauded for his courage on the job, has lost an employment tribunal claim after being disciplined for failing to confront colleagues using the term “fireman.”
The controversy highlights tensions around language, culture, and respect in modern fire services.
Complaint From a Female Colleague Sparks Investigation
In July 2021, former England rugby player and firefighter Sasha Acheson raised concerns about the use of outdated terminology at Avon Fire and Rescue Service.
She argued that terms like “fireman” reflected ongoing sexism, particularly when used casually or jokingly by male colleagues.
Acheson described feeling belittled and disrespected by peers, reporting incidents where female firefighters were referred to as “snakes with tits” and other offensive nicknames.
One colleague reportedly responded to complaints about language by saying, “I will stop saying fireman when they stop specifically recruiting only firewomen.”
Bailey’s Response and Perspective
Bailey admitted during the investigation that while he personally avoided using the term, he never actively challenged others.
He described the station’s language as “not squeaky clean all the time” but believed it remained largely respectful.
When asked about banter, a colleague explained, “It’s not malicious.
There is banter with everyone… When there are girls there—someone might make a joke, who is doing the dishes?”
Bailey acknowledged in hindsight that the term “fireman” had the potential to cause offense, noting that it had been “endemic” throughout his 25-year career and remained embedded in society at large.
Disciplinary Action and Career Impact
Following Acheson’s successful tribunal, which awarded her over £52,000 for sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation, Bailey received a written warning for failing to challenge colleagues’ language.
The sanction had a profound impact on his wellbeing, and he eventually resigned in September 2023 after taking time off sick.
Bailey had joined Avon Fire & Rescue Service in October 1996, rising to Crew Manager in 2007 and later to Watch Manager B, a senior role responsible for overseeing conduct and performance.
Part of his responsibilities included managing workplace behaviour, including language and professionalism.
Tribunal Rules Against Bailey
Bailey took his case to an employment tribunal in Bristol in February 2024, claiming unfair dismissal.
Employment Judge Richard Woodhead ruled that the disciplinary action was reasonable and not excessive.
Woodhead noted that Bailey failed to challenge the use of “fireman” during his watch and that some derogatory jokes had been made, which clearly played on outdated gender stereotypes.
The judge concluded, “It is not probable that, when he conceded that there were jokey comments that were not squeaky clean, [Bailey] was not referring to the jokes that played on old-fashioned stereotypes based on sex.”
The tribunal determined that the fire service’s actions were fair and did not destroy or seriously damage the relationship of trust between Bailey and his employer.
Lessons for Workplace Culture
The case underscores the evolving expectations around language, inclusion, and accountability in workplaces with long-standing traditions.
While Bailey’s career included acts of heroism and dedication, the tribunal highlighted that senior staff have a responsibility to challenge outdated practices, even if unintentional, to ensure a respectful environment for all employees.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn