Every fire brigade in England plagued by bullying and harassment claims, report finds

‘The majority of fire and rescue staff act with integrity,’ the report says. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

Every fire brigade in England is plagued with bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints, a damning report has found, and officials have called for drastic measures to clean up the service.

Inspectors urged bosses to carry out background checks on every firefighter, with those who fail being sacked, after long-awaited findings shone a light on “deeply troubling” behaviour in the emergency service.