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Wimpey bans its builders from wolf-whistling after bosses claim it puts off 'sophisticated' female house-hunters
Last updated at 01:52am on 04.04.08A leading building firm has banned its builders from wolf-whistling at women, claiming the tradition was putting off "savvy and sophisticated" female house-hunters.
George Wimpey Bristol have banned their employees from making cheeky remarks or innuendo, declaring the "outdated" tradition is not acceptable in today's world.
Sales and marketing director Richard Goad told staff in a memo that Bristol builders would not be able to wolf-whistle on any of the city's six sites from 9am tomorrow.
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Banned: Builders will have to keep quiet when a female passes the building site
A Wimpey spokeswoman said: "The memo has come from the company's sales and marketing director, Richard Goad, who believes that given the sophisticated buyer of today and the quality of the homes for sale the wolf-whistle is outdated and should be a thing of the past."
Mr Goad said: "In the 21st century the wolf whistle is out of place. Our buyers know what they want and the general feeling is that women won't stand for being whistled at by builders.
Similarly, men report finding it insulting when their loved ones are whistled and it causes unnecessary tension on what should be an enjoyable search for a new home.
"The builders I've spoken to on all of the sites are happy enough with the ban. As far as they are concerned, if it encourages more women to visit our developments, then they think it can only be a good thing."
George Wimpey said the ruling currently applied only to its Bristol sites, but did not rule out extending it nationwide.
The spokeswoman said no punishment had been devised, as the company did not expect any builders to breach the ban.
The ban was announced just days ahead of the launch of the city's Meridian housing development, at the Aztec Hotel on Saturday.
Reader views (6)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
I'm a bloke and I often get wolf-whistled by Wimpey construction workers when I walk by. Does the ban affect me?
- Paul, Bromley
That is sexual harassment and has got nothing to do with Wimpey homes or any other building company. It is wrong and nobody should be sexually harassing women who are going about their daily business under any circumstances.
- Real, London UK
Can they make do with the hare-whistling instead?
- Sam, Pakchong Thailand
Most women given a 'wolf-whistle' are done so because they dress in such a way as to invite such 'comments'. How many ladies would actually regard a 'wolf-whistle' as a compliment?
- Blind Pugh, Addlestone, UK
I never thought that savvy and sophisticated people lived in Wimpey homes.
- Tom, Watford UK
They can't be that "savvy and sophisticated" if they're considering buying new build property in the current economic situation!
- Ari Burnett, Bristol
