Ban on councils using ‘mum and dad’ in favour of ‘birthing parents’ torn up after it was ridiculed in The Sun
A NEW edict banning councils from using terms such as mum and dad has been ripped up after it was ridiculed in The Sun.
Other phrases that were to be avoided in the bonkers scheme included second generation, expat, economic migrant, deprived neighbourhoods, the homeless, and lifestyle choice.
There was a furious backlash after we exposed the email by Mark Lloyd CBE, chief exec of the Local Government Association, to 339 English and 22 Welsh councils.
Now shame-faced bossed behind the 18-page Inclusive Language Guide have been forced into a humiliating U-turn in a big victory for The Sun – and common-sense.
The organisation has quietly updated its online site to reveal: “We’re reviewing our Inclusive Language Guide following feedback from our members.
“Please visit our workforce section for the latest information and advice for managing the local government workforce.”
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We revealed chief executives had told The Sun the ‘inclusive language guide’ was “total hogwash” and “a massive waste of money”.
It ordered the phrase, “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen” should be avoided in favour of “Good afternoon, everyone”.
It explained: “people who are not ‘ladies’ or ‘gentleman’ may recognise the difference, feel included and that they belong.”
Bosses were told the guide will help them understand the role language plays “embedding equality, equity, diversity and inclusion” across the workplace.
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A worker’s identity or characteristic was only to be referred to “when it is relevant, necessary and/or led by the person”.
It stated “experiences of trauma, racial trauma and exclusion are already experienced at disproportionately higher rates by LGBTQ+, black and neurodivergent people respectively in the workplace.”
Baffled bosses were given ‘eight tips for action’, including preparing for conversations by “checking that the person is happy to engage can be helpful in appearing friendly rather than confrontational”.
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Banned phrases included: “Sex change, Economic migrant, Expat,
Wheelchair bound, and the homeless.”
The LGA said the guide was “designed to help councils ensure that everyone in their communities is supported and respected when they look to their local public services for help.”