Allegations of harassment and discrimination have been levelled against Stuart Millington, who was recently appointed as interim chief of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Millington was brought in following a report highlighting misogyny in the service. The Welsh government appointed commissioners to oversee the situation there. Millington has denied the allegations against him, for which he is facing an employment tribunal. The claimant said they had suffered from harassment and discrimination and had been penalised for participating in trade union activities.
The decision to appoint Millington has been criticised, with the Fire Brigades Union calling for a full review, arguing that last week’s appointment was made without due diligence, transparency or accountability. An initial hearing of the tribunal is set for next month. Millington is also facing similar allegations concerning his day job as assistant chief fire officer in North Wales. This appointment too has been criticised, prompting concerns that there needs to be a nationwide review of fire services in Wales.
A former education minister, Kirsty Williams, and Labour peer Baroness Wilcox are among the commissioners overseeing the situation. They have defended Millington’s appointment saying he met their criteria for prior experience and ability to maintain business continuity in the service. Meanwhile, the White Ribbon campaign, which aims to end violence against women and girls, has suspended its accreditation to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This comes after allegations of sexism and racism were raised in connection with the service.
While Millington has denied the allegations, they come at a time of heightened awareness of inappropriate and illegal behaviour in the workplace. Women’s rights groups have called for a far greater level of transparency and accountability in order to avoid cover-ups and the perpetuation of negative cultures
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