Wolf whistles silenced
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They have long been thought of as places best avoided for attractive women if they wanted to avoid the unwelcome attentions of red-blooded workmen – but now it seems the sound of wolf whistles emanating from building sites is becoming a thing of the past.
A new survey shows that three quarters of tradesmen, including roofers, plasterers and construction workers no longer believe it is appropriate.
The research found that 56% would not wolf whistle because they believe the practice is sexist and chauvinistic.
But the reasons for the changing attitude were not all so high-minded. The poll showed a further 19% would also avoid the cat call – but only because they were worried that they might be sued for sexual harassment.
They may have reason to fear official censure – last year two builders in Hertfordshire were suspended by their employer after a man accused them of wolfwhistling at his wife.
Jazz Gakhal, head of Direct Line for Business, which commissioned the poll, said: “The research reveals changing attitudes to acceptable behaviour in the workplace, with people labelling behaviour other generations might have tolerated as outdated and inappropriate.
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