Investigation into Allegations of Racism and Hate Speech at Mitie
One of the government’s principal contractors, Mitie, has initiated an investigation following allegations of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate speech among its employees working in immigration removal centres, according to information obtained by .
Whistleblowers from Mitie have reported that certain staff members involved in immigration removal centres and migrant deportations have made offensive remarks both in the workplace and on social media platforms.
A dossier containing examples of these allegations has been submitted to Mitie management, who confirmed they are conducting an inquiry.
The Home Office stated that the allegations fall under Mitie's responsibility.
Details of Allegations
The dossier includes claims of Islamophobic statements made during work hours. One employee allegedly remarked that immigrants “should be kicked out of our country,” while another reportedly said:
“All Muslim men beat their wives.”
Additionally, a staff member is said to have expressed support on social media for a group linked to far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson.
Social media posts reportedly liked by Mitie employees include one referring to women as “old slags,” another showing a photograph of an Orthodox Jewish man accompanied by the phrase “shalom cunts,” and a further post stating:
“I call my weed the Qur’an, burning it gets you stoned.”
One staff member allegedly commented on escorting migrants during deportation, saying:
“I don’t like to sit next to people on a coach who smell like curry.”
A senior employee reportedly liked a social media post from a far-right activist that read:
“Sadiq Khan is transforming London into a Muslim City. We need to return it to a Christian city.”Mitie stated the individual liked the post unintentionally and that no further action would be taken.
Whistleblower's Statement
One whistleblower, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, has called for a comprehensive investigation. They expressed distress and concern about the workplace environment, stating:
“As a member of the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community, I am appalled, distressed and no longer feel safe or respected in my workplace.
It is creating a hostile, discriminatory culture that puts staff, detainees and our government contracts at severe risk.
I suffer severe stress, anxiety and fear coming to work. I no longer feel safe, valued or protected. I feel betrayed, especially as our role is to support vulnerable people. I remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, but I stand by every detail in this submission.”
Previous Accusations and Responses
Mitie has faced prior accusations of racism and discrimination among its workforce. In February 2022, its chief executive issued an apology to the home secretary following revelations about offensive posts within a 120-member WhatsApp group named “escorts meet and greet,” which was active from mid-2019 before being disbanded.
An employment tribunal in 2021 expressed serious concerns regarding Home Office contractors involved in deportations using racist language but dismissed a claim of race and disability discrimination.
Last year, an investigation was launched after racist language was reportedly used by Home Office contractors at the Manston asylum processing centre in Kent, which processes small boat arrivals. A deeply offensive phrase including a racial slur was reportedly broadcast over the centre’s radio system.
Mitie sources indicated that while they do not comment on specific ongoing investigations, such as the reported racist message at Manston, they have upgraded communications technology to improve traceability and monitor transmissions more closely.
Mitie’s Official Statement
A spokesperson for Mitie stated:
“There is no place for racism or discrimination of any type in our business. We take any allegations of this nature seriously and investigate them thoroughly.”
