Water company blasted for worrying about causing offence with ‘men at work’ signs

A WASSER company was fined over fears of being offended by signs reading ‘Men at Work’.

South West Water ordered a review after receiving a complaint that it considered “women’s contributions unimportant”.

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But locals and activists said there should be more focus on leaks and lifting the nearly year-long hoseline ban.

The Equality Trust said a ‘men in the workplace’ notice posted on the side of a road in Exton, Devon, was sexist.

Director Priya Sahni-Nicholas said: “It is a reminder of the ongoing undervaluation of women, particularly in the world of work.”

However, Toby Young, an anti-vigilance culture activist, said, “The sign only needs to be changed if South West Water’s construction crews working on the streets include women.” Do they? I guess not.

“I assume the signs offend very few women. Organizations like the Equality Trust pretend to be offended to advance a bright political agenda.”

In April, South West Water extended a hose ban through December – after the wettest March in 42 years. Meanwhile, owner Pennon paid a huge £112m dividend to shareholders despite being fined £2.15m over sanitation in April.

Chris Hood, 30, of Plympton, said: “South West Water needs to focus on bringing prices down and getting rid of the hose ban, not this junk.”

A company spokesman said: “We are currently reviewing all of our signage to ensure it is consistent with our business values.”

SOUTHERN Water reportedly plans to bill its customers an additional £279 a year by 2030, a 73 per cent increase.