PUBLIC SERVICES: Inequality in fire brigade

Fire officers came under attack yesterday for alleged racial prejudice after union officials revealed that only 1 per cent of brigade employees come from ethnic minorities and that only one firefighter in Scotland is black.

Ken Cameron, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, also calculated that fewer than 1 per cent of firefighters are women. While some of his members "bring their prejudices to work", middle and senior management had to bear responsibility for recruitment policies.

Mr Cameron called on chief fire officers and local authorities to join the union's campaign to end racism, bullying, sexism and homophobia in the fire service.