Mitie Investigates Staff Racism Claims in Immigration Removal Centres

The dossier includes specific examples such as alleged Islamophobic remarks, statements calling for immigrants to be expelled, and offensive generalizations about Muslim men. Social media activity allegedly linked to Mitie staff includes content with far-right associations and derogatory remarks targeting religious and ethnic groups, as well as women. One incident described a staff member’s comment about not wanting to sit next to migrants who "smell like curry" on a deportation coach.

A senior staff member reportedly liked a social media post from an activist critical of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, though Mitie stated this was a mistaken 'like' and no further action was taken. A whistleblower from a minority ethnic background expressed deep distress, fear, and a sense of betrayal, citing a hostile and discriminatory workplace culture that puts staff, detainees, and contracts at risk.

This is not the first time Mitie has faced such accusations. In February 2022, the company's chief executive apologized to the Home Secretary for racist WhatsApp posts made by staff. Previously, in 2021, an employment tribunal noted concerns about contractors using racist terms for black colleagues. Last year, an investigation was launched after a racist message was reportedly broadcast over radios at the Manston asylum processing centre.

Mitie has responded by stating that racism and discrimination have no place in their business and that they take all such allegations seriously, investigating them thoroughly. The company also indicated that communications technology has been upgraded to improve traceability and monitoring of transmissions.