The BBC has reportedly banned staff from using terms such as 'sweetheart' and 'mate', with one insider describing the move as 'woke gone mad'. According to reports, the corporation is also encouraging employees to read books on race as part of a new training initiative.
Staff are required to complete a screen skills training 'passport', which includes a multiple-choice quiz designed to create a 'better, more welcoming and safe place to work'. Modules cover topics such as tackling harassment and bullying, and lay out 'microaggressions', warning staff against commenting on someone's curly hair over concerns it could be racist.
The training also advises against commenting on people's accents, and terms like 'silver fox' are considered ageist. Workers are warned against interrupting others, described as 'indirect, often unintentional expressions of bias'.
A frustrated production worker told The Sun that on a recent job at the BBC, they were informed they could not be employed unless the training was completed. The insider, describing themselves as from a 'diverse background', said: 'It feels like enforced speech... It's like walking on eggshells.'
A BBC spokesperson responded: 'This Screen Skills training is not mandatory for BBC staff and any suggestion otherwise would be wrong. The content of this pilot for freelancers is being reviewed by partners across the industry.'
