ONE of Britain’s wokest councils has banned staff referring to parents as mum and dad.
Officials say “caregivers” is more appropriate.
They also advise workers to avoid using the adjectives “young” and “old”.
Merton Council in South London has warned its employees not to make assumptions about a child’s biological parents.
Bosses claim not saying the words “mother” and “father” helps to “recognise diverse family formation”.
The council’s 27-page inclusive language guide — obtained by The Sun using Freedom of Information laws — also tells employees not to use “young”, “old” or “mature” for fear of being ageist.
It also advises workers to use “person-centred language” — and avoid gendered phrases such as “man the desk”.
The guidance, drawn up by the debt-stricken council’s equality and diversity team, also warns: “Avoid making assumptions about preferred names or nicknames without asking the individual first.”
Free Speech Union boss Lord Toby Young said: “I’m amazed that Merton Council has time for this nonsense.
“I can only assume fly-tipping and potholes aren’t a problem in Merton.”
A council spokeswoman insisted: “We aim to communicate with understanding and without making assumptions.”
Toby Young said: ‘I’m amazed that Merton Council has time for this nonsense’Rex Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
