It’s a news story you won’t find on any of its own bulletins.
ITN has been branded hopelessly ‘woke’ after it instructed its own staff to avoid ‘heteronormativity’ and ‘pitying’ in the workplace.
The company which produces news programmes for ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, has introduced a ‘patronising’ online training module about so-called ‘micro-aggressions’ in the workplace.
As part of the mandatory training, employees are alerted to a list of ‘everyday verbal, behavioural or environmental slights – intentional or not’ which can ‘impact on psychological safety, well-being and a sense of belonging’.
ITN, whose shows are fronted by stars such as Mary Nightingale, Charlene White, Dan Walker and Krishnan Guru-Murthy, said the training is designed to stop staff being discriminated against on the basis of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation and age.
But critics say the advice is too politically correct and covers behaviours most people already know are unacceptable.
Part of the module instructs staff to avoid ‘heteronormativity’ or the assumption that everyone is straight.
Employees are specifically told to avoid phrases such as ‘So, you got a wife at home’.
ITN, whose shows are fronted by stars such as Charlene White (pictured working for ITV) said the training is designed to stop staff being discriminated against on the basis of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation and age
The company which produces news programmes for ITV , Channel 4 and Channel 5 , has introduced a ‘patronising’ online training module about so-called ‘micro-aggressions’ in the workplace. Pictured: Dan Walker working for Channel 5
Part of the module instructs staff to avoid ‘heteronormativity’ or the assumption that everyone is straight. Pictured: Krishnan Guru-Murthy working for Channel 4
They are also urged not to ‘pity’ colleagues who might be dealing with a disability.
The module says phrases such as ‘you’re so brave’ should be avoided at all costs.
Other problematic comments relate to the issue of race – a section on ‘colour blindness’ warns even a well-meaning statement like ‘I don’t see colour, we’re all equal’ can cause offence.
Staff are also urged to be aware of ‘cultural dismissal’. Specific advice includes not mispronouncing names and the avoidance of a statement such as: ‘I don’t understand all these religious holidays.’
A section on sexism urges staff to avoid ‘mansplaining’ or explaining to a woman ‘something she already understands’.
It also points out that jokes can be problematic, highlighting the upset caused by a fictitious employee called Alex who says that ‘women aren’t great at maths’.
Staff sent details of the training module last week have reacted with a mix of anger and disbelief.
One worker who has undergone the training said: ‘It is just so patronising. I’m offended about being asked to do this course. Does that count as a microaggression?’
It has also raised eyebrows outside the newsroom. The actress Dame Maureen Lipman said: ‘Nowhere is it mentioned that ethnic groups should have patience when a name is extremely complicated. Don’t take offence when an older person struggles.
‘Forgive your co-worker if he/ she transgresses gender or racial boundaries. There should be no cancellations for slip-ups.’
Best-selling novelist Kathy Lette agreed there were better ways of tackling problems.
She said: ‘We don’t want to become psychological hypochondriacs, with the backbone of a souffle. Rules and edicts aren’t necessary. A friendly exchange on why comments are a bit insensitive should suffice.’
She added: ‘I’d rather a training model that targets the office pervert. I once worked for a solicitor who constantly made me file things under Z on the days I was wearing a short skirt. Now that should be a sacking offence.’
An ITN spokesman said: ‘We offer a range of training and development, including initiatives that help foster an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.’
