A female firefighter at Dundee Airport, whose claims of bullying and harassment by colleagues were the subject of an official investigation, has been told she has to go back to work with the same colleagues she claims bullied her.

The firefighter said airport management told her on Friday they could not accommodate her on either of the other two watches.

An investigation by Dundee City Council, which owns the airport, concluded it was apparent the woman believed she had suffered discrimination and prejudice in a male-dominated environment.

Although a report into the affair suggested one of the culprits had left the airport, the firefighter said the people who had harassed her were still there.

In a summary of the investigation findings, management said, “It is clear that the incident involving the centre spread (of a newspaper) is an example of unacceptable behaviour and sexual harassment.

“Unfortunately, the investigation was unable to conclude who was responsible.

“The council views this as a very serious matter and —although unable to address the individual responsible—will be taking steps to raise awareness of harassment in the workplace with the whole firefighting rescue staffing group.”

Another offensive incident involved a comment on a website, although the colleague responsible had reflected on his conduct and its impact on the woman.

The report said all staff referred to “banter” in the group, and the woman participated in this.

Further, it noted that a number of her colleagues found her behaviour offensive.

Recommendations in the wake of the investigation were that all rescue and firefighting staff should undertake equality and diversity training, which will also cover personal harassment at work, and there will be a system of mentoring for new staff and an annual staff development review.

Management will also ensure appropriate support measures are in place to help her return to work.

However, the woman and her union representative said yesterday they were extremely unhappy she is to return to the same watch, even if it is to start in October on a phased basis.

She said, “I had a meeting with management and they were not prepared to accommodate me on Red or Green Watch.

“There was no compromise, and since then I have lost half a stone in weight and I am getting less than two hours’ sleep because I am so anxious and worried about going back on that shift.”

She said her doctor and counsellor had recommended she go back on a different watch to go along with the new guidelines, but this was turned down.

Rory Malone, secretary of the Tayside Unison branch, said he was not happy the woman was going back to the same watch, and that he would have preferred her to be transferred.

“We are still dealing with this affair, but it is complex and things might change.

“There are a number of issues still to be resolved, and we have to ensure that her health is spot on.

“What we are striving to do is to ensure there is no detriment to her health.”

A spokesman for the city council said they would not comment on individual staffing matters.