Fire service inspectors have been banned from using word ‘fireman’ in reports

FIRE service inspectors have been banned from using the word “fireman” in reports.

“Policeman” is also banned at the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Services.

The guide, updated two weeks ago, is intended for staff who are writing, editing and proofreading documents.

It bans the word “homo-sexual” as “potentially offensive” — even though it is used by millions of LGBT people.

“Chair” should be used for chairman, and “staff or people” rather than “manpower”.

Tory MP Nigel Mills fumed: “This is just wokery on another scale.

Police and fire inspectors should be focusing on improving organisations and finding ways for forces to solve more crime and make streets safer.”

But the inspectorate hit back: “We always use language that is clear, professional, accurate, and reflects the make-up of the sectors we inspect.

“For example, we always use the terms firefighter and police officer. This is in accordance with the government’s style guide, which recommends keeping language gender neutral wherever possible.

“Choosing to use this language does not detract in any way from our work to continually hold police forces and fire and rescue services to account.”