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THE Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has demanded an end to female firefighters being forced to strip down to their underwear in front of male colleagues.
The union criticised Kent fire and rescue service for enforcing the “unnecessary [and] degrading practice” in a written complaint to the official inspector, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The FBU said firefighters were being made to strip down at stations “prior to donning fire kit when attending operational incidents.”
General secretary Matt Wrack said: “Fire stations are workplaces — and it is unacceptable that firefighters are being put in the position of stripping down to their underwear in full view of colleagues, or even the public.”
Kent brigade’s chief fire officer Ann Millington, said “practically all” crews wanted the option “not to wear trousers under PPE” as it can be uncomfortably hot.
The Home Office said: “We want to see fire and rescue services where professional standards are upheld and everyone is treated with respect.”
