A former Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service employee, Andrea Pieri, has spoken out about what she calls a “witch-hunt” that led to her being pushed out of her job due to her gender critical views.
Pieri claims she faced harassment, investigations, and eventual suspension after requesting that an order involving Norwich Pride be reassigned to another colleague. She insists she never discriminated against anyone and that the situation has damaged her career and mental health.
Why Was Andrea Pieri Investigated?
Pieri’s troubles began when she received an order related to Norwich Pride, which included signing a “Pride Allies Pledge.” This pledge requires individuals and businesses to show active support for the LGBTQ+ community.
1. Request to Be Removed from the Pride Order
- Pieri, who holds gender critical views, asked her manager to have the order assigned to someone else.
- Her manager initially agreed, but soon after, she was called into a meeting with HR.
2. Accusations of Discrimination
- A colleague had escalated a complaint against her to senior leadership and HR.
- In the HR meeting, Pieri was accused of homophobia, which she denied.
- She argued that her concerns were about transgender ideology in Pride events, not homophobia.
“Gay people have been kicked out of Pride events. Nancy Kelly, CEO of Stonewall, called lesbians ‘sexual racists’ for not wanting to sleep with men. Gender ideology is invading women’s spaces and indoctrinating children.”
Internal Investigation & Suspension
3. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Meetings
- Pieri was asked to explain her political and moral beliefs in front of an EDI panel.
- She described the process as intrusive, humiliating, and patronising.
- She was issued a “letter of expectations”, outlining standards she was expected to meet.
4. Gross Misconduct Investigation
Months later, Pieri was informed that she was being investigated for gross misconduct for allegedly breaching the letter of expectations.
- The investigation was classified as “Level Three”, the highest form of disciplinary action, which could lead to dismissal.
- She was accused of displaying discriminatory behaviour, but Pieri says she never had arguments or conflicts with colleagues.
“I was always praised for my work, but suddenly, I was being treated like a pariah. It felt like they wanted me out.”
Social Media Scrutiny & Final Allegations
5. Investigation into Her Online Activity
After being suspended, Pieri was informed that her social media activity was also being investigated.
- She was accused of violating the Fire Service’s social media policy and bringing the organisation into disrepute.
- Investigators printed out all her tweets and asked her to justify her gender critical posts.
- One example included a retweeted post stating “Lesbians don’t like d*”**, which she was asked to explain.
“Isn’t that self-explanatory? Lesbians are biological women who aren’t attracted to men.”
Pieri insists the allegations against her were fabricated, and at that point, she knew her relationship with her employer was beyond repair.
“I had worked there for three-and-a-half years without a single issue. The moment I revealed my gender critical beliefs, I was targeted.”
The Impact on Her Career & Mental Health
6. Struggling with Depression & Job Loss
- Pieri says the investigation caused severe distress, leaving her depressed and struggling with intrusive thoughts.
- She now fears her career is ruined due to having gross misconduct on her record.
- She is currently undergoing counselling and considering legal action.
“I loved that job and worked so hard, but now my reputation is in tatters. I’m applying for jobs, but I fear my record will ruin my chances.”
Fire Service Response
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service declined to comment on individual cases, but issued a statement:
“Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is an inclusive employer. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and investigate breaches accordingly.”
Andrea Pieri’s case highlights ongoing tensions between gender critical beliefs and workplace inclusivity policies. While the Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service maintains that it follows strict professional standards, Pieri believes she was targeted for her views and subjected to a coordinated effort to remove her.
As she considers legal action, the case raises broader questions about free speech, workplace discrimination, and diversity policies in the UK.
