No ladies or gentlemen at the Lords
Staff are told to say folks or colleagues instead in ‘inclusive’ language guide
AUTHORITIES at the House of Lords have warned staff against using ‘offensive’ terms such as ‘man-made’ or ‘manpower’ – yet fail to make any mention of the upper chamber’s decidedly masculine name.
The Lords, which has almost 800 members and around 650 staff, has produced an ‘Inclusive Language Guide’ listing words and phrases to be avoided by employees.
The guide, obtained by The Mail on Sunday under Freedom of Information laws, refers to the traditional greeting ‘ladies and gentlemen’ as well as the word ‘guys’ when used to describe a group of people.
It states: ‘The language you use impacts others around you, if the words and phrases
‘Such ultra-wokery is sad and pathetic’
you use are offensive this may exclude certain groups of people based on assumptions; cause distress or embarrassment; reinforce derogatory labels or stereotypes and belittle certain groups of people.’
The document tells staff that instead of using the phrase ‘the common man’, they should opt for ‘average person’ instead. Likewise, ‘manpower’ ought to be replaced with neutral-sounding alternatives such as ‘workforce’ and ‘staffing’, while ‘man-made’ should make way for ‘synthetic’ or ‘artificial’.
In place of the phrase ‘ladies and gentlemen’, staff are asked to choose from a list of alternatives including ‘one and all’, ‘colleagues’ and ‘folks’. Employees are also advised to refer to a person’s ‘socio-economic status’ rather than their class.
Critics were quick to point out the glaring anomaly left by the Lords etiquette enforcers.
Historian Andrew Roberts said: ‘It’s sad and somewhat pathetic that such ultra-wokery should have extended to the House of Lords, which ought to have remained above such ludicrous faddism. It is also hypocritical. Why isn’t it renaming itself the House of Lords, Ladies and Self-identifying Transsexual Peers?’
Jeremy Black, emeritus professor of history at the University of Exeter, said: ‘It is extraordinary that the House of Lords administration thinks that such measures demonstrate relevance.
‘There are many issues that would strike observers as more relevant, not least excessive expenses, running a club for used-up party hacks and failed politicians and the contempt for democratic processes and the public evidenced by all too many peers during the Brexit debates.’
But Dame Margaret Drabble said some of the suggestions had merit, adding: ‘I think the phrase common man could easily cause offence except when used in inverted commas.’ The novelist went on: ‘I also think the suggested substitutes for manpower and manmade are fine. We have got quite accustomed to chair for chairman, although people used to object to that.’
Novelist and feminist campaigner Kathy Lette said: ‘I’m all for taking the “man” out of everyday language – not just in the House of Lords, but in all workplaces.’
A House of Lords spokesperson said: ‘Parliament strives to be an inclusive workplace where people are valued for the skills and experience they bring. Part of this is providing guidance and information to staff and line managers on inclusivity on an advisory basis.’