Wokingham Borough Council in Berkshire has sparked controversy after issuing an inclusive language guide that advises staff to avoid using the term “hard-working families”—suggesting it could be offensive to those who are unemployed. The move has been widely criticized as an example of excessive political correctness, with opponents accusing the council of prioritizing ideological sensitivities over common sense.
The Inclusive Language Guide and Controversial Advice
The council’s guide aims to promote inclusive communication by advising employees on how to use language that does not alienate certain groups. Among its recommendations is a warning against using the phrase “hard-working families,”as it implies that those who are unemployed are “undeserving” or lack value in society.
In addition to this, the guide discourages the use of terms such as “blacklist” and “whitewash,” citing potential racial connotations. It also notes that “sustained eye contact” could be seen as “aggressive” in some cultures and advises staff to be mindful of such differences in workplace interactions.
These recommendations have been met with significant backlash, with critics arguing that the council is engaging in unnecessary language policing at the expense of focusing on real issues affecting local residents.
Public and Political Backlash
The language guidelines have drawn widespread criticism from both politicians and free speech advocates.
- Toby Young, chief of the Free Speech Union, ridiculed the council’s decision, suggesting that Wokingham might as well rename itself “Woke Borough Council” to reflect its approach.
- Local residents and commentators have expressed frustration, with many arguing that such language changes are detached from real-life concerns and serve little practical purpose.
- Opposition politicians have accused the council of engaging in virtue signaling rather than addressing pressing local issues such as housing, infrastructure, and public services.
This is not the first time local authorities have attempted to regulate language in the name of inclusivity. Previously, Sunderland City Council banned the term “working class,” recommending “people with fewer financial resources”as an alternative. Similarly, Cardiff University advised staff and students to avoid British-English phrases like “kill two birds with one stone” or “piece of cake,” arguing that they could be confusing or culturally insensitive to international students.
Council’s Response and Next Steps
As of now, Wokingham Borough Council has not issued an official response to the backlash. However, given the widespread criticism, there is growing pressure for the council to clarify its stance or reconsider its guidelines.
While inclusivity and respect in language are important, many argue that such policies risk undermining free expressionand creating unnecessary divisions by making everyday phrases politically charged.
Conclusion
The debate over Wokingham Borough Council’s inclusive language guide highlights broader concerns about political correctness and free speech in the UK. While efforts to promote inclusivity are generally well-intentioned, excessive language policing can often provoke backlash and alienate the very people it seeks to help.
As this controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Wokingham Borough Council will stand by its guidance or revise it in response to public criticism. Either way, the discussion has reignited the national conversation on how far language regulation should go in the pursuit of inclusivity.
