Council offers support to staff unsettled by flags

There has been a rise in the number of St George's flags being flown in England in recent weeks

Council staff have been told to speak out if they feel "unsettled" by St George's flags being put up across England.

An email sent by a member of staff at Essex County Council said the flags may "evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric", particularly for "colleagues of colour".

Flags have been raised around the country and some mini roundabouts painted red and white in recent weeks.

Council leader Kevin Bentley said the email "infuriated" senior councillors, adding: "At no time was this discussed with politicians at Essex County Council."

The leaked email, first reported by the Telegraph, was sent by the Conservative-run council's children and families leadership team to its employees.

"We have been clear that we support people who wish to raise the two flags and they will not be removed unless there is a hazard to motorists or pedestrians," Bentley said.

His cabinet was "demanding answers" over why the email was sent, a council spokesman added.

In the email, staff were told the flag "may hold different meanings for different people".

It encouraged them to contact their managers if they felt "unsettled or affected by what you're seeing".

"We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone," the email added.

The St George's Cross is on show outside the council's offices in Chelmsford

Groups responsible for putting up the flags have told the BBC they were motivated by pride and patriotism.

However, others felt it was provocative at a time when tensions were running high over immigration.

Some social media accounts have used the phrase "operation raise the colours" to accompany pictures of the St George's Cross.

"Operation Raise the Colours" is also the name of another group that has encouraged people to put up flags.