Essex County Council Offers “Support” to Staff “Unsettled” by St George’s or Union Jack Flags – Guido Fawkes

Essex County Council is offering support to its staff and encouraging them to “reach out” if the St George’s or Union Jack flags that have been put up in recent days upset them. Alternatively they could resign and hide indoors with the blinds shut…

The council’s “Children & Families Senior Leadership Team” sent an email to staff yesterday saying it was “aware of the increasing visibility of St George’s and Union Jack flags displayed on road signs, bridges, and trees in parts of Essex.” That is apparently a problem:

“While these symbols may hold different meanings for different people, we recognise that for many – particularly our colleagues of colour – they can evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric.”

The council encourages staff “unsettled or affected by what you’re seeing” to “reach out” and offers for them to speak with their “line manager, Service Manager, Global Majority Leads, Antonia, Assistant Director, or Director.” Do they get time off too?

The email adds: “We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.” A spokesman for the council tells Guido:

“An email offering reassurance and the opportunity to seek support was sent on behalf of Essex County Council’s Children and Families Leadership Team to their employees.

Essex County Council has many employees working with children and families in areas such as Epping where there have been, and continue to be, high profile protests as well as support for the current flag-flying campaign.

We support people’s right to fly the flag and we proudly fly the St George’s Cross outside County Hall, our headquarters in Chelmsford.”

The council will no doubt be working diligently to remove all national flags across the county in the meantime. Read their staff email below:

“Dear Essex Work Family,

We’ve recently become aware of the increasing visibility of St George’s and Union Jack flags displayed on road signs, bridges, and trees in parts of Essex.

While these symbols may hold different meanings for different people, we recognise that for many – particularly our colleagues of colour – they can evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric.

As your senior leadership team, we want to express our deep concern and solidarity. We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.

If you are feeling unsettled or affected by what you’re seeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out […]

As your senior leadership team, we want to express our deep concern and solidarity. We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.

If you are feeling unsettled or affected by what you’re seeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can speak with your line manager, Service Manager, Global Majority Leads, Antonia, Assistant Director, or Director. We are here to listen, support you, and ensure that both you and the children and families we serve feel safe and valued.

In solidarity and care.

Best wishes,

Children & Families Senior Leadership Team”