Hackney Council has sparked outrage after introducing a new 17-page guide on gender-neutral language for staff communications.
The controversial document bans the use of “Sir/Madam” in formal correspondence, replacing it with more inclusive terms such as “Dear colleagues” or “Dear council taxpayer”.
The move, which is aimed at fostering inclusivity and avoiding gender stereotypes, has raised eyebrows after the guide advised staff to remain “adaptable and open to changing our language in the future”.
Hackney Council’s push prompted debate promoting inclusivity in official communications.
Hackney Town Hall
GOOGLE STREET VIEW
The guide outlines several changes to traditional language use. Staff are instructed to replace “manpower” with “workforce” and to refer to a meeting’s “chair” rather than “chairman”.
The document also advises against using phrases like “man up” and “guys”, deeming them promoters of gender stereotypes.
Notably, the guide suggests that referring to individuals as “male” or “female” is dehumanising, with “partner” also being preferred to “husband” or “wife”.
It instead recommends using gender-neutral terms such as “everyone” or “participants” when addressing groups.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Traditional titles – such as lMr, Miss, Mrs, and Ms – were also replaced by the gender-neutral “Mx”, while “expected mothers” is being replaced by “people who become pregnant”.
For those uncertain about proper usage, the council offers a unique solution. Staff can have their documents checked by the “Proud Hackney” network for a “sensitivity reading”.
However, Hackney Council defended its commitment to promote inclusivity.
In a statement, Hackey Council said: “This guide has been produced to help Hackney Council staff ensure that wherever possible language is used that creates a welcoming environment and fosters a sense of belonging, pursuant to our core value of being inclusive.”
A stock image of an email
GETTY
Hackney’s latest woke move comes after Surrey Council baned its staff from calling simple tasks a “piece of cake”.
It states: Avoid using phrases that people may not understand if English isnt their first language.
Another section says the term dinner ladies should be outlawed.
Sunderland Council separately considered banning the word “working-class” before changing its mind.
