Equality bosses warn saying ‘carer’ could offend — and suggest ‘woke’ alternative
WOKE equalities bosses have warned the word “carer” can be offensive and “personal assistant” should be used instead.
But the latest diktat from the Equality and Human Rights Commission has been described as “absolute nonsense” by those who are proud to care for sick, elderly or disabled people.
The public body’s inclusive language guide also warns against using phrases such as “disabled parking”, “vulnerable” and “ill people”.
It wants the terms “blue badge parking”, “people at risk of” and “people with long-term health conditions” used instead.
Senior carer Becky Richards, 34, who works at a retirement home in Thorngumbald, Yorks, said: “I’m not a PA — that’s for posh office managers. I care. I’m proud to be a carer.
“I don’t want to ever be called a personal assistant — it takes away the heart of what I do every day. We are carers because we care. This is wokeness taken to another level. It’s gone too far now.”
The EHRC guide says: “This is not just an issue of politeness.
“It is important not to use terms which can be derogatory, but to use language which is positive, empowering and human. After all, words lead to deeds.”
Tory MP Nigel Mills said: “This is complete nonsense. If the regulator has nothing better to do than produce this pointless nonsense, then they need to be downsized.”