Bullying, intimidation, aggression and inappropriate behaviour are “commonplace” in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), a damning report has found.

A “radical overhaul” is needed at the service to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public, claimed the independent cultural review which was published yesterday (September 2).

The review was carried out by the Director for Communities and Local Government Irene Lucas CBE, after it was commissioned by the Essex Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) to help make the service “fit for the twenty-first century”.

With regular industrial disputes and allegations of bullying and intimidation at the service, which has stations in Epping, Loughton, Waltham Abbey and North Weald, the review aimed to identify the major issues.

Culturally, ECFRS is a “failing organisation” says the report.

“The service is in urgent need of a radical overhaul to ensure that it is held to account, and becomes more adaptable to the needs of the twenty-first century, and ensures the safety and wellbeing of its employees.”

It adds: “There is dangerous and pervasive bullying and intimidation and this may place employees and the communities that they serve at risk.

“Even in more senior, corporate positions aggressive and inappropriate behaviour is commonplace, but it is worse in some fire stations.”

“There is a ‘them and us’ sub-culture of distrust at so many different levels – between management and staff, management and trades unions (and between different trades unions) and a divide between full time and on call firefighters.”

The report details inconsistency and favouritism from management, and also heavily criticises workers’ unions.

It says: “There was overwhelming evidence of serious psychological intimidation of those who had fallen out of favour with the trades unions or were not welcome on the watch.

“This includes repeated sexual innuendoes about the victim, being ostracised, not being able to use the mess room, finding their food had been spat in - or worse and other degrading behaviours.”

Chairman of the FRA, councillor Tony Hedley, said the 50-page review made “extremely difficult reading”.

“But today is a watershed and because of this report, we will be able to move forward and tackle the issues raised.”

He added: “The culture and behaviours outlined in the report are unacceptable, and have no place at any level in the Fire and Rescue Service that Essex deserves and needs.

“No one individual is to blame, but as an organisation we need to look at ourselves, and work together to move in the right direction.”

Acting chief fire officer Adam Eckley said: “We will not shy away from the findings and recommendations, however difficult that may be.”

Despite the many failings, the review found that many staff are still proud of their work and dedicated to keeping the public safe.

This, it says, is “a precious inheritance that must not be squandered.”