A firefighter has been awarded more than £40,000 after an employment tribunal ruled she was forced out of her job following a campaign of harassment, which included a senior colleague reading her private diary.
A relationship turns sour
Kelly Rice began a romantic relationship with a senior colleague and mentor, known only as ‘KS’, at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service in April 2019. The tribunal heard that by the summer and autumn of that year, the relationship had become troubled.
Ms Rice raised concerns about the man with Watch Manager Richard Basham in early 2020. The situation escalated on 2 March 2020, when she alleged the senior firefighter had searched through her bag and read her personal journal. She ended the relationship on the same day.
Inadequate response and declining health
An internal investigation found the man had ‘bullied and harassed’ Ms Rice, including via a series of text messages. He was given a final written warning, but Ms Rice told the tribunal she believed this sanction was ‘inadequate’ and that the service regarded his behaviour as acceptable.
The stress of the situation, which Ms Rice described as involving ‘coercive control’, severely impacted her mental health. She was diagnosed with ‘complex post-traumatic stress disorder’ and suffered from anxiety and depression. Her doctor advised that a return to active firefighting duties could cause a relapse.
Despite this medical advice, the service, overseen by Gloucestershire County Council, ordered her back to her original role. She was told she would have to retire and reapply to work in a non-operational capacity. The tribunal found this treatment ‘exacerbated’ the original harassment.
Constructive dismissal and tribunal victory
After going off sick in May 2021, Ms Rice faced disciplinary proceedings for failing to attend meetings and comply with a return-to-work scheme. She resigned in August 2022 after her appeals were dismissed.
Employment Judge Paul Cadney ruled she was mistreated by being required to attend operational duties, facing disciplinary action for not doing so, and through the dismissal of her appeal. The tribunal found the council had failed to make reasonable adjustments for her mental illness.
Ms Rice won claims of constructive unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and disability discrimination, and was awarded a total of £42,853.73. Her claims specifically regarding the conduct of her ex-partner were not upheld.
In a statement, a spokesman for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the outcome was ‘deeply regrettable’ and that the service was ‘committed to learning from this experience’. They added that a Professional Standards Unit had been established to provide greater oversight.
