A senior firefighter who failed to challenge colleagues using the term 'fireman' has lost his unfair dismissal case. Simon Bailey, 58, a watch manager with Avon Fire and Rescue Service, was given a written warning after not addressing complaints from female firefighter Sasha Acheson, a former England rugby player.
Ms Acheson had reported a 'mildly aggressive' manager and the frequent use of 'fireman', which she described as 'outdated' and 'an ongoing example of sexism'. Bailey, with 30 years' experience, admitted not challenging the term, saying it was 'embedded' in the service, but acknowledged it should no longer be used.
Bailey received a 12-month final written warning in June 2023 but felt 'humiliated' and resigned in September 2023. He claimed constructive unfair dismissal, arguing the warning breached his contract. However, Employment Judge Richard Woodhead ruled the sanction was 'reasonable' and did not destroy trust and confidence.
In a separate tribunal in December 2023, Ms Acheson was awarded over £52,000 after being subjected to 'persistent' derogatory comments, including being called a 'stick with tits'. She described the workplace culture as 'openly misogynistic and discriminatory'.
Bailey's case was heard at Bristol Magistrates' Court in July 2025, with the judgment delivered on November 25. The tribunal noted Bailey had worked for the service since 1996 and was promoted to watch manager in 2013.
