Welsh Lib Dems demand action in South Wales fire service scandal

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have demanded that urgent action must be taken to restore trust in the South Wales fire service following a recent sexual harassment scandal.

Allegations of sexism and abusive behaviour prompted an independent investigation into the working culture of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which found “serious deficiencies in the service”.

As a result of this review, the chief fire officer Huw Jakeway has apologised and will be stepping down.

The Welsh Lib Dems are now calling for immediate action to weed out any further instances of sexism within the fire service to restore trust.

Commenting, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“I was utterly appalled when reading the findings from the independent investigation into the South Wales fire service.

It goes without saying that female staff should not have to experience sexual harassment or abusive behaviour in any working environment, let alone in the fire service.

I urge the South Wales Fire and Rescue service to take urgent action against those guilty of creating and abetting a toxic and sexist work culture.

Our firefighters work tirelessly to keep us all safe, the very least they deserve is the opportunity to work in a clean and healthy environment free of the odious and disgraceful behaviour that has been uncovered.”